Tom "Doc" Simmons (1990) - Hall of Fame - Murray State University Athletics

Tom "Doc" Simmons

Induction:
1990

Tom “Doc” Simmons – Athletic Trainer, 1965-1993 (Deceased)

Simmons, known affectionately as “Doc”, joined the MSU athletic department in 1965 as the university’s first trainer. He continues today as the head trainer, and is the founder and past president of the Ohio Valley Trainers Association.

Simmons said he thought about leaving Murray State after his first year on the job and returning to his native Detroit, but he said the people in the community changed his mind.

“What makes Murray State strong is its people,” Simmons said. “I’m truly embarrassed to accept this award. People like me, service people, don’t fall in the category of great athletes or great coaches. On behalf of all the athletes, coaches and assistant trainers who have done the work that I have taken credit for, I accept this award.”

“Tom Simmons and I have crossed many a bridge together,” Reagan said. “He’s kept my players on the field, and over the last 20 years, Tom’s major contribution to me has been his wisdom.” (The Murray Ledger & Times, October 26, 1990, By David Ramey)

In the 25 years he’s been involved with the care and prevention of injuries to Racer athletes, Tom Simmons’ dedication to his profession, his school, and his coaches and athletes has been a rock-steady constant in a time which has seen five head football coaches and four men’s basketball coaches.

Since joining the MSU staff in 1965, the man known as “Doc” to everyone who has passed through his training room has been head trainer and assistant professor in the school’s Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation. When Roy Stewart Stadium was built, he designed the training room, which is generally regarded among the best in college football.

Simmons came to MSU from the University of Detroit, where he was a teacher and head trainer. He also has been assistant trainer for the Detroit Pistons, the Detroit Public School System and the U.S. Military Academy, as well as working with the Buffalo Bills of the NFL.

Simmons earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Detroit and his master’s from MSU. An active member of his profession, he holds memberships in the National Athletic Trainers Association, the Southeastern Athletic Trainers Association, American Red Cross and the American College of Sports Medicine.

The founder and past president of the Ohio Valley Trainers Association, he also created the Red Belt, the only traveling trophy an MSU team competes for, which is displayed in the training room of the winner of the Murray State-Western Kentucky football game. (MSU Sports Information)