Thomas A. Simone (1971-83)

By John Noble, Sports Editor
Northland Press-Dispatch

May 11, 1983

Tommy Simone has much to live for -- a close supportive family; good friends; excellent grades; athletic talent; maturity beyond his 12 years.

Most visual in Tommy's life were achievements in sports.

He simply excelled -- whatever the sport, whatever the season. Football marked his fall, basketball his winter, baseball his spring and summer.

Tommy combined uncommon athletic prowess with a drive to succeed that was rare for his age. He drilled over and over to perfect his skills.

His own and rival coaches conceded that the happy, modest youngster caused a lasting impression -- wherever he competed

Tommy lost his life in mid-April. He was struck by a police patrol wagon, hurrying to a distress call, as he crossed Independence Avenue near the Monroe Avenue intersection in the early evening.

Darkness and the speed of the vehicle, dispatched on a "Code 3" (without flashing lights or sirens) hampered vision of Tommy, wearing his baseball sweatsuit, and the driver.

The Northland boy is remembered as the kid everybody liked.

He smiled a lot, he was a modest hard-worker, he sidestepped arguments with teammates. His baseball coach, Clay Green, said Tommy's special gift was that he gave back whatever he received -- respect, love, friendship.

Green watched Tommy develop from a mediocre pitcher for Lightfoot Photography of the Clay-Platte Baseball League to an outstanding one. The coach recalls countless hours Tommy pitched to his father Anthony, his pitching coach.

Basketball coach Tom Laughlin, who guided Tommy for four seasons in the Metro Parochial League, can't remember a missed practice. Tommy was a sixth-grade center last winter for the team at St. Patrick's Church, where he was an alter boy and straight A church school student.

Laughlin, who also coached Tommy in two seasons of flag football, remembers a team player, team leader and confidence-builder, who never took advantage of a size edge and never backed away from larger opponents.

After Tommy's death, a rival center, a year older and taller, wrote Tommy's parents that their son was the most-threatening opponent he had ever faced, including boys his own age.

Rival basketball coach Warren Roberson of St. Therese describes Tommy as the best his teams ever played against. Roberson was struck by the youth's pleasant manner and lack of conceit.

Tommy stands up at the top of the best player he has handled for line coach Raymond "Lefty" Leftridge of the Northbank Raiders. Leftridge recalls a fine young man, always smiling and in control of his anger, who played with full-speed aggressiveness.

He earned a berth on the A team, as an offensive tackle and defensive end, when most kids his age were playing in lower classes.

Between games, Tommy practiced with help from his parents and encouragement of his sister Savina, 10, a softball player and the bat girl for Lightfoot.

The Simones' other child is Rosemarie, six months.

Tommy pitched to his dad until dusk the day of his death.

The Tom Simone Memorial Scholarship Fund, and incorporated charitable foundation, will honor Tommy annually with awards to area scholar-athletes. Plans are being finalized, and the likely recipients each year are a grade school and high school student.

Kansas City sports professionals on the foundation board will assist with the fund-raising. A local bank is administering the fund. Contributions are tax-deductible.

Tommy's dozen years for a vivid legacy for his contemporaries.

Thomas A. Simone Memorial Award

The Thomas A. Simone Memorial Football Award is presented annually to the most outstanding high school football player in the greater Kansas City metropolitan area. The award, established in 1931 in the name of Dr. D.M. Nigro, continued until Dr. Nigro's death in 1976.

No award was given from 1976-83, until the award was reinstated by Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Simone as a tribute to their 12-year old son, Tommy, who was tragically killed in an automobile accident in April, 1983.

The recipient of this prestigious award is selected by a vote of the Greater Kansas City Football Coaches Association (GKCFCA) head coaches in the metro area and select media members, and given to the football player most representative of excellence on the playing field.

The trophy presented today symbolizes the qualities of love, courage and friendship -- qualities young Tommy so aptly displayed.

Along with the trophy, which resides at the high school of the recipient for a period of one year, the Simone-Fontana Foundation presents a donation of $1,000 to the athletics department of the recipients' high school.

All-Time Thomas A. Simone Memorial Award Winners

Dr. D.M. Nigro Award

The Dr. D.M. Nigro Football Award began in 1931 and was given annually to the top football player in the Kansas City area. The award continued until Dr. Nigro's death in 1976.

Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Simone approached the Nigro family about reinstating the award in 1983 as a tribute to the 12-year old son, Tommy, who was tragically killed in an automobile accident in April 1983.

All-Time Dr. D.M. Nigro Award Winners

+ School no longer in existence
# Now known as Hogan Prep Academy
= Now known as The Pembroke Hill School