Lansing Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony 2015 - - Andy and Nick Simmons - - Lansing Civic Events - - July 30, 2015 - - by Chuck Krafft

Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame

2015 Induction Ceremony

Nick Simmons, Williamston Wrestler

Andy Simmons, Williamston Wrestler

July 30, 2015

These brothers never, ever, ever lost a high school wrestling match.  Their combined record in high school was 430-0!!

Nick Simmons was the older brother by one year.  He was Michigan’s first ever four time undefeated state wrestling champion.  He was also a three time Junior National Champion and a four time finalist.  He also won the Jr. Hodge award presented to the Nation’s Most Dominant wrestler. 

In college, Nick Simmons was a four time NCAA All-American.  He is second All Time at Michigan State University with 156 Career wins.  He was also a three time Big Ten Champions.

Nick represented our country on the National Team eight years between 2005 and 2015.  He was an Olympic Alternate in 2012.  He was fifth in the World Champions in 2011; and had a number of other fine international wrestling achievements.

Andy Simmons was the second ever four time undefeated State Champion.  He was a four time Junior All-American and held the National Record for Consecutive Victories.  He was also a Cadet World Team Member. 

At Michigan State, he was a two time All-American and won a Big Ten Championship.  He is in the top ten at Michigan State for all-time career wins.

He took sixth place in the Junior World Championships in 2003.  He was also a FILA Junior Champions, a University National Champion, a University World Team Member and finished third in the U.S. Open.

Andy spoke first.  He thanked MSU Coach Jeff Terrian and thanked his parents for their commitment transporting him and his brother to meets.  He noted that wrestling is an individual sport and forces you to rise to the occasion every time; no teammate can help you during a match.  He also said that because wrestling is not a revenue sport, you do it only for the love of wrestling.

Nick spoke next.  He thanked his grandfather, who was their biggest fan and had recently passed away.  The audience participated in a moment of silence.  He also thanked his parents and coaches for the support system that helped to develop him and his brother into fine wrestlers!