Chadron State College Athletics

Simonton taught physical education and coached at Chadron State for 33 years before retiring in 1991. He was the college’s first wrestling, men’s golf and gymnastics coach. He also had many other talents.
One of his first duties when he came to Chadron State in 1958 was to start a wrestling team. He coached that sport for 12 years. He also helped coach football during his early years at CSC and coached the men’s golf team from 1966 into the early ‘80s when the sport was discontinued.
Simonton also began the gymnastics program in the 1960s and continued working with gymnasts at CSC and other places in some form the rest of his life.  Some of his gymnasts were in competition, but more often they provided entertainment at halftime of basketball games and for special events.
In addition, Simonton often coached and sponsored the cheerleaders, organized the Eaglettes, a drill team that existed several years, staged a Miss Posture Pageant one year and frequently helped with the choreography at fine arts productions. He also was an outstanding artist. He died Nov. 4, 1998 at age 70.