Former Player casts long shadow
A special to the Gazette
Originally published 01:45 p.m., July 15, 2008
Updated 01:45 p.m., July 15, 2008
A Kansas Shrine Bowl player who played 13 years ago is casting a long shadow that has reached at least two players in the 2008 game, which will be played at 7 p.m. July 26 at Welch Stadium in Emporia.
In 1995, Smith Center’s Mark Simoneau suited up for the West in a game played at what would be his collegiate home field, KSU Stadium in Manhattan. The game proved to be a forerunner of his success at K-State, with the West winning 24-7. Simoneau had a stellar collegiate career as a Wildcat linebacker, earning All-Big 12 honors three times, and All-American honors twice. He’s enjoyed a nine-year career in the NFL with Atlanta, Philadelphia, and his current team, New Orleans.
Simoneau has left an indelible mark on the Smith Center football program, including both of the Smith Center representatives who will play for the West in the 2008 game at Emporia. Braden Wilson and Kirk Palmer have been key elements to Smith Center’s amazing run of four straight 2A state football championships, which have included four straight undefeated seasons, during which they have compiled a perfect 51-0 record. When asked to list their favorite player, both listed local hero Simoneau.
Wilson said it’s Simoneau’s work ethic that has inspired him and his Redmen teammates.
“All the people that knew him talk about how hard he worked,” said the 6-4 220-pound running back and linebacker.
Palmer, also a linebacker, said Simoneau is a town legend.
“Everyone in town looks up to him, from kids in grade school to kids my age,” he said.
Simoneau’s presence is even felt in the Smith Center weight room.
“He’s got quite a few weight records that are posted outside the weight room,” said Palmer. “It gives you something to shoot for.”
Wilson and Palmer were part of a remarkable 2007 season at Smith Center that included a perfect 13-0 record. It was not just the wins that had Kansas football buzzing. It was a Redmen defense that held opponents scoreless until the semifinal game of the state playoffs, when St. Francis scored a touchdown. Overall, Smith Center outscored the opposition by an astounding 844-20. The team’s exploits not only got the attention of local and state media, but national news outlets as well, including articles in the Kansas City Star, the Denver Post, the New York Times and on ABC World News.
Like their hero Simoneau, many of the Smith Center players are “passing the torch” to the next generation of Redmen. Palmer and many of his teammates help coach in a Smith Center flag football program for fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade boys aimed at teaching the fundamentals of football. The program gets kids involved in football early.
“They enjoy being around the high school players, and make us feel like we’ve done something good for them,” said Palmer. “The younger you can get around sports, the better you’ll be at it when you get to junior high and high school, and you’ll have a lot more fun.”
About the Bowl
Proceeds from all Shrine Bowl events support the Shriners Hospitals for Children, a network of 22 hospitals that provide expert, no-cost orthopedic, burn and spinal care to children under 18. Children are admitted free to Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Advance reserved chairback tickets for the game cost $20. Adult general admission tickets are $9 in advance. Student tickets (K-12) are $5 in advance.
Other Shrine Bowl events scheduled in Emporia on July 26 include: an open 5K Road Race that includes 60 cross country all-star runners; a one-mile Fun Run/Walk; a giant Shrine parade; an arts and crafts fair; a kids’ fair; a high school combine; a poker run for bikes, autos and trucks; and a free fashion show.
For information or tickets, call the Shrine Bowl office at (800) 530-5524.
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