Clovis Unified football coach honored at Lamonica Stadium

CLOVIS, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – Longtime Clovis Unified football coach, Tim Simons, now has a field named after him, honoring his accomplishments.

Lamonica Stadium is celebrating its 50th anniversary and is also celebrating Tim Simons, the coach who shaped the Clovis Highs Football program for 24 years.

“It was such an enormous event. We had helicopters dropping down, cheerleaders we had packed in stands so much enthusiasm with the cheerleaders and the band because it was the first game in this great stadium,” Simons said.

Simons recalls the first game played at Lamonica Stadium in 1974, when he was the assistant coach.

He led the Cougars to several championship titles from 1976-2000.

“Our teams really came together and played together as a team and really achieved, you know, maybe it wasn’t a championship, but it was a good season. We always had good seasons. I was proud of every single season we had here because I felt like the players came together and gave it their all,” Simons said.

He then went on to establish the football program at Clovis North High in 2007 and has been coaching there ever since.

“The Freshman team at Clovis North…I look forward every day for the kids coming out there and me coaching them. And I love the group of guys I have right now,” Simons said.

Dan Pishione played on Clovis High’s team in 1974 when they opened the stadium and appreciates coach Simons’ recognition.

“Not a greater person in the world, he was always there for you didn’t matter during the day in the morning. It didn’t matter when, you know, he was always there for you. So that’s the kind of coach you want to play for,” Pishione said.

Inducted into four area Athletic Hall of Fame, Coach Simons is now honored at the place where it all began.

“I’m very thankful for the Clovis Unified School District. As I mentioned, I started here in 1967. It’s been an enormous part of my life and I’m so grateful to the school district for honoring me in this fashion,” Simons said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.