Murray State University Athletics
Tom Simmons recognized as pioneer with induction into KATS Hall of Fame
1/24/2006 6:00:00 AM | General, Hall of Fame
Simmons was Murray State's first athletic trainer in 1964 and effectively brought sports medicine to western Kentucky.
When Simmons arrived at Murray State, there were only two other athletic trainers in the state: at the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville.
"Most people don't understand; when I came to Murray, there were no orthopedic doctors, no physical therapists, no EMT's (emergency medical technicians)," Simmons said. "It was kind of a thing where all athletic trainers at the time had to wear a lot of hats."
Simmons devoted 27 years of service to Murray State. He retired in 1993.
Service to others is a trademark characteristic of athletic trainers, and Simmons wore it like a comfortable shirt.
He said the biggest thrill he gets when looking back on his career is knowing how much better student-athletes and all people are cared for now.
"Obviously, one thing we did here at MSU was create an interest in taking care of people," Simmons said. "That goes for the college athlete all the way down to anyone who is active -- you know, the normal everyday citizen that may be hurt mowing the lawn or playing golf. That, to me, is the most satisfying, tremendous progress has been made in sports medicine."
In 1993 and 1994, Simmons was given the District Trainer of the Year award from the Southeast Athletic Trainers Association.
Murray State dedicated its Stewart Stadium athletic training facility to Simmons, naming it the Tom "Doc" Simmons Training Room. When Stewart Stadium was being planned in the late 1960s, Simmons designed and laid out the training room.
In 1990, Simmons was elected to the Murray State Athletic Hall of Fame.
Simmons grew up in Detroit, Mich., and earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Detroit. He earned a master's degree in physical education from Murray State in 1967.
Before joining MSU, Simmons worked with the Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills of the NFL and the Detroit Pistons of the NBA.
Simmons and his wife, Margaret, who served as track & field coach and administrator at MSU for 38 years, have been married 37 years and call Murray their home.
They have two children, Mary Jo and Mark (Tooter), who reside in Henderson.
