Longtime Newtown High School Athletic Director Gregg Simon announced his resignation in early April, in effect July 1. For thirty years, Simon has been heavily involved in the Newtown community, not only through athletics, but also academics despite his Stratford residency. As an athletic director, Simon has worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the student athletes at Newtown.
Throughout the seventeen years under his leadership, the athletic department has flourished with a total of twenty six varsity sports, four of them being created within the last few years. Boys volleyball, gymnastics and girl’s golf are just a few of the new additions to the athletic program, Simon has left a heavy imprint on the lives of NHS student athletes, coaches, as well as those in-between.
“Mr. Simon has had such a positive impact on my athletic experience at Newtown. He helped me make a hard decision freshman year when I couldn’t decide if I wanted to play field hockey or volleyball, I couldn’t be happier that I chose volleyball,” NHS junior Tessa Leon-Gambetta said.
“He has always encouraged our academics before athletics, which I think is super important because most student athletes tend to forget that their role as a student is more crucial than athlete in high school,” she said.
During the informational meetings at the start of each season, Simon emphasizes the importance of placing our careers as students over our athletic commitments. He frequently acknowledges that performing well in the classroom increases one’s athletic opportunities on the college level.
“He is truly all about the kids and does everything in his power to make everybody happy. He comes out and supports everybody, there’s not a day that goes by when everyone isn’t thankful for his job,” NHS senior Mali Klorczyk said.
The many responsibilities of an athletic director range from scheduling games for teams at all levels, handling student-athlete eligibility, all budgetary matters including uniforms and equipment, as well as evaluating and enforcing the NHS Athletic Department Code of Conduct. Simon also manages all facets of coaching education including first aid, CPR, permits, concussion modules and evaluations. As if that were not enough, Simon often acts as an arbitrator between parents, coaches and students under the circumstances in which a conflict occurs.
“The athletic department is losing a huge part of the program with him leaving, I would say he has started so many new things at the high school so it’s going to be tough for whoever takes his place and tough for the program to keep moving forward like it has with him,” NHS Varsity Football Coach Steve George said.“He does everything, on game day- I do nothing; he does everything so I don’t always know what’s done. Everything is set up; the fields are there, all the needs of uniforms are always met.”
George went on to explain the selfless way in which Simon approaches his work.
“I don’t even think people know what he does; I don’t even know what he does, I just know it’s always done,” George said.“I think that’s the thing about him that is going to be missed the most. Just knowing somebody that cares enough about you guys as kids and us as coaches, it’s hard to find somebody like that.”
Simon has spent the last seventeen years encouraging the holistic well-being of our student athletes, supporting coaches and creating a positive experience for everyone involved with athletics at NHS. His passion and dedication to this school will be greatly missed.
“When I started coaching and got the head baseball job I was only 23. Mr. Simon has been my only boss for the past seven years,and he is so much more to me than an AD. The guy is like another father, a role model, a friend and an advisor,” NHS Varsity Baseball Coach Matthew Memoli said.
“When things are going poorly we talk, when things are going really well we talk. He is always open for a quick conversation, or there when you need someone to turn the sprinklers off on the field,” he said.
Simon’s impact will certainly be felt on a personal level. Memoli, like most of the NHS coaches, understands how much Simon is woven into the fiber of our sports programs in this high school.
“The entire sports program at NHS will never be the same as it was with him. He would 100% do anything for his coaches and the student athletes at NHS. I know for me personally I will miss him a ton,” Memoli said.
Overall though, maybe the best compliment Simon can receive comes from the student-athletes. It is rare to have an AD have such a direct influence on the students. Maybe it is his background as a teacher or the many years he has guided the Nighthawks, but in the end, it may be his defining legacy. This ideal was obvious when Simon stood up to begin his spring sport informational meeting and received a standing ovation from the over 400 students in attendance.
“Mr. Simon has done so much for Newtown High School. Not everyone realizes everything an athletic director does. It's much more than going to all of the sporting events. Between scheduling games and practices, communicating with other towns, and having to handle different situations, it isn't an easy job. I think everyone really appreciates all of the time and effort he has given to this school,” NHS junior Ben Mason said.
The Hawkeye would like to thank Mr. Simon for his dedication to our school, and wish him luck in his future endeavors.
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