There was a young man in an upstart program that was afforded an opportunity to start as a sophomore on the Raider offensive line. Once given the chance, he never looked back.
John Simmons started for three years, where he played for Danny Williams and Larry Olson. Navarre compiled a 12-18 record during that time frame as they went 3-7 in 2000; 5-5 in 2001 and 4-6 in 2002.
His offensive line coach his senior year was Bob Kellogg. This was Coach Kellogg’s first year at Navarre, where he also served as the offensive coordinator.
John did well enough that he went on to play Division II ball at Delta State in Cleveland, Mississippi. While there, he was a 3-Year Letterman at center and guard. He earned 2nd Team All-Conference and All-Region honors. The Statesmen made the Division II Playoffs in 2006 and 2007 and won the Gulf South Conference Championship in 2007.
He graduated Delta State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science. Furthermore, John has earned multiple certifications to include, CSCS – National Strength and Conditioning Association, USAW Level 1 Coach – USA Weightlifting, USATF Level 1 Coach – USA Track and Field and CPR/AED/First Aid Certifications from the American Red Cross.
He went on to play one year of arena football in the Arena 2 Football League with the Tennessee Valley Vipers. John played center for the Vipers and was a part of the 2008 Arena Cup Championship team.
John has held many strength and conditioning positions over years, starting first as a volunteer intern with the University of Mississippi. From there, he moved onto the University of Memphis. While in Memphis, he also worked for Velocity Sports Performance.
In July of 2009, he found his way back to Oxford as a Strength and Conditioning Professional Intern. January of 2011, John took on the role of Assistant Strength Condition Coach for the Ole Miss Track and Field Team and Men’s Tennis and Men’s Golf.
In 2013, John was moved up to be the Assistant Coordinator of Strength and Conditioning for the Ole Miss Women’s Basketball and Men’s Golf team. He also assisted with Football and Men’s Basketball.
In 2016, he became the Head Speed and Strength Coach for D1 Memphis Sports Training in Collierville Tennessee.
In 2017, John became the Director of Strength and Conditioning at St. George’s Independent School, in Collierville, Tennessee, before moving onto his current position in February of 2020, in the Marion School District in Marion, Arkansas.
His accomplishments are many and he is living proof that if you work hard and establish goals and stick to them, the sky is the limit.
Hope that you have enjoyed another trip down memory lane…
“Greater To Be A Raider”
Class of 2003, John Simmons, CSCS, USAW, #50
