JACK SIMMS


Jack was born In Grand Bank where he played recreational soccer until he entered the Armed Forces. He continued there for five years. Upon completion of a jouneyman's electrician's course, Jack came to work for Alcan in St. Lawrence.


While In St. Lawrence Jack developed an Interest in studging the grand old game of football learning many of the techniques and tactics used by many World Cup Coaches. While attending coaching seminars, he impressed Newfoundland's coach Alan Ross, who was a former professional goaltender from England. Alan become Jack's mentor and taught him everything he knew and gave Jack the opportunity to put that knowledge into practice as an assistant coach of the Newfoundland Summer Games team. With this wealth of knowledge and experience Jack became coach of the St. Lawrence Laurentians. He guided the team to many championships in the 70's decade which led to the prestigious honour of being named the "Team of the Decade" by the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Federation.


Jack had fulfilled everything possible at the senior level and in recent years he has turned his attention to the youth of St. Lawrence. He was extremely successful in revitalizing soccer interest among the 10-21 year olds. The result of his coaching at that level is a number of his boys are now playing with the Senior Laurentians.


Although Jack is not coaching at the present time he still maintains a keen interest in the game. His analytical comments on strategies and techniques is a treat to listen to as the Laurentians play their games. No other coach in St. Lawrence has come close to matching Jack's accomplishments and there's no doubt in anyone's mind that he is a worthy recipient to be inducted into the St. Lawrence Soccer Hall of Fame.