"Holy Cow" It's Sam The Man Simmermaker

[RER]

Sam Simmermaker has dedicated his life to Columbus Sports since 1959. Now, the famed [glow=red,2,300]"holy cow"[/glow] stated man is being inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. Congratulations to a wonderful man and his family. The articles from the local Republic paper are being placed on this historic site so others nationwide can read about him and his award. Once, again congratulations Sam and Columbus will always view you as the "golden voice" of Columbus sports events. Go to this web site to read about his award:

Go here:http:
www.therepublic.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=91225&TM=32511.44
Also go here:
www.therepublic.com/main.asp?SectionID=28&SubSectionID=114&ArticleID=91224&TM=2737.133



Submitted by: Bob Records

[David Sechrest]

Bob, you had the same idea I had! I was going to post a "HOLY COW" folder, and I'm glad you did.

If anyone deserves recognition, it's Sam.

I spoke to Sam back before my appendix ruptured, and he told me that he has a reel to reel recording of that great basketball finals game from 1964, when the Bull Dogs played Huntington. Since I happen to have a reel to reel, I told him, if I could borrow the tape, I could put it in computer format (mp3), and it would be preserved "forever."
I still want to pursue this, if my health allows. I think it would be great to hear that wonderful game again...

[David Sechrest]

You know, I bet Sam has quite a collection of his sports broadcasts on tape...

[RER]

Dave, I guess we both think on the same lines when it comes to preserving important events and history related to Columbus. I too have fond memories of Columbus and growing up as kid in that wonderful city. As you know I am settled in a distanced state now and return periodically to see the town and some ole friends and relatives. I talked to Sam Simmermaker about a year ago on the phone. We were discussing early basketball teams and many former players and "Hall of Famers" that were already in the Indiana honor rankings. Of course we talked about Bill Stearman among other day to day sports things for a short spell. Sam is a very likable and gifted man and has contributed a lot to the Columbus Community over a span of about 46 years. His tape of a game I never watched or heard, would be interesting to observe. The 1964 team was probably the best team Columbus ever had in my memory. It is sad that the basketball spirit and support of the past isn't there today, but at least we can enjoy the good thoughts and times during those historical years. I pray that your health continues to be positive. You have done a great deed for Columbus by establishing this historical reference point for Columbus. My hats off to you and all the hard work that you and many others expended to develop and maintain this web site. It serves not only present Columbus residents, but former distanced Columbus folks. Keep up the good work and may the good "Lord Bless You" in many years to come.

Bob

[jimbo700]

I am tickled to death that Sam has been inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame!
In addition to the veritable plethora of awards Sam's received over the years, the best thing you can say about him is that he is truly one of the nicest guys I have ever met. I am honored to have spent 2 years working with him, and even more honored to be able to say he is my friend.

[Maria Stack]

Congratulations to Sam Simmermaker! I will always remember his kind words and his strong handshake. He covered many of the Girl's Columbus East Olympian basketball games in 1980 where the Olympians finished runner-up to Southport. I will never forget waking up in the mornings and hearing his voice on the radio giving scores and kudos to young athletes. Sam, thanks for the memories and again "Congrats." Maria Stack #41

[Rod]

What is so sad is how it took this much time to honor one of the greatest play by play announcers in not only Indiana but the United States. It has been almost 30 years and I can still hear him say "Holy Cow." And in regards to RER wanting to know about the crowds just go back in time to Milan and watch the movie Hoosiers. I had the honor of playing in the 50's in Huntington County for a school named Jefferson and we never had a ball game that wasn't sold out. And the bus rides from school to school with the cars behind us really brings back the good thoughts. But then that was then and this is now. One other thing is sportcasters like Sam was one of the reasons the stands were filled. I don't care those were the good days. Another thing about Sam was his coverage of other sports along with basketball. In the 70's we had some of the all time great softball teams one which Maria Stack and Kim Eliot were on. Sam gave as much coverage has his time would allow. Again congratulations Sam.

[RER]

This is a rewrite of a press release from the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame about the induction of Sam Simmermaker forthcoming March 22, 2006. The press release is word-for-word of the article written by [e-mail]. Additionally, the Indiana High School Sports Authority Web Site wrote an article which you can call up with your mouse after the following:
_______________________________________________
"Holy Cow" Its

SAM SIMMERMAKER

Each year the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame inducts one person into the Hall that has made a significant contribution to Indiana basketball in some fashion other than as a player or coach. The [glow=red,2,300]"2006 St. Vincent Silver Medal Award"[/glow] will be presented to Sam Simmermaker from Columbus at the organizations annual banquet.

Simmermaker graduated from Star City High School, Pulaski County. Following graduation from Indiana University in 1954, Simmermaker spent two years in the U. S. Army Signal Corps.

He is in his 47th year at WCSI-WKKG, radio station, in Columbus. His voice and enthusiasm for all sports is known throughout southern Indiana. Simmermaker was the telecaster for five years for the Indianapolis Indians on WTTV. He has also served as a news broadcaster for a number of years.

The National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association namer Simmermaker Indiana Sportscaster of the Year in 1976 and again in 1997. The Indiana Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association bestowed a similar honor on him in 1971, as he was named Indiana Sportscaster of the Year. In 1998 Simmermaker was inducted into the Indiana Sportswriters and Sportscasters Hall of Fame. The Indiana Associated Press Broadcasters Association presented him with the Hall of Fame Award in 1991. He has served on the board of directors of the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association since 1999.

In addition Simmermaker has been presented with the IHSAA Distinguished Service Media Award, North-South All-Star Football Game News Media Award and presented an outstanding contributions award by the Indiana High School Baseball Coaches Association and the National Federation Interscholastic Officials Association. Network Indiana honored Simmermaker in 2002 and 2004 for presenting the "Best Sports Play-by-Play" in sports. The Indiana Broadcasters Association presented the noted sportscaster with a similar award in 2005.

Simmermaker grew up listening to Harry Carey broadcast St. Louis Cardinal baseball games and he too adopted the trademark trait of saying [glow=red,2,300]"Holy Cow" [/glow]when something fantastic occurs during a ball game. He claims to be the most rabid Cardinal baseball fan south of U.S. 40 and he still participates in the Columbus Softball Association Over-50 Slow Pitch League.

The Columbus honoree will be inducted at the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame's Annual Men's Banquet on Wednesday, March 22 2006. The ceremony will be held at the Primo Banquet Hall, which is located on the south side of Indianapolis. Ticket information can be acquired by calling the Hall at [phone].
_____________________________________________

ARTICLE: Additional article is at the Indiana High School Sports Authority at this site:

www.hoosierauthority.com/Sports/articles.php?spid=159&spmid=180&id=743

Submitted re-write by: Bob Records

[Mike Hall]

This has got to be the best site ever. I've got to jump in to comment on my good friend Sam Simmermaker. I first met Sam when I was 9 years old and he broadcast the youth league baseball games from Diamond 4 at Lincoln Park. He lived in the Garfield neighborhood, and my mom was the crossing guard at the old Garfield school. Mom and dad got to know Sam, and when I had the great fortune to play for the Bulldogs in the mid-60's I got to know him better. Beside being the best broadcaster ever he is a fine man and a good friend. He was always nice to my parents and was one of the first at the funeral home when my dad passed. He really deserves the Basketball Hall of Fame, but if there were a Hall of Fame for friends he would be there as well.
He has represented Columbus well for a long, long time. Thanks, Sam, you are the best.

[darlene1956]

I just wanted to make a comment about Sam Simmermaker. My husband, Bill Reeve worked with him at WCSI in 58 - 60. He always had such regard for him and they were good friends, is Sam still around?
Janet Pittman Reeve

[RER]

Nov 15, 2009 15:30:06 GMT -5 darlene1956 said:

I just wanted to make a comment about Sam Simmermaker. My husband, Bill Reeve worked with him at WCSI in 58 - 60. He always had such regard for him and they were good friends, is Sam still around?
Janet Pittman Reeve

"Holy Cow" Sam Is Still Around At WCSI..........and same ole great guy.

Sam still announces on WCSI this year of 2009.

Here is Sam (right) and Jerry Castor of the past. This picture was taken a couple years back.

[RER]

Sam Simmermaker Speaks At Indiana Basketball Hall Of Fame
WCSI radio Announcer of Columbus Indiana

Sam Simmermaker talks about his memories of high school basketball during a program called "Celebrating the Memories. Basketball through the ages" at the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, New Castle, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009.



During March 24, 2010 Tom Arnholt former Columbus High School Star was inducted in the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.

Sam was previously inducted as a radio announcer in the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.


Source: Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, several newspapers including the Indianapolis Star and Columbus Republic. The picture was taken by Perry Reichanadter of the Indianapolis Star.