Sam and Fran Simmermaker are flanked by members of their families, school officials and other guests during a ceremony to rename the press box after Sam before a football game between Columbus North and Columbus East Friday, Aug. 30, 2024 at Columbus North High School.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
For 64 years, Sam Simmermaker broadcast Columbus High School and Columbus North football games from the press box atop the home bleachers at Max Andress Field.
Friday night, prior to the crosstown rivalry game between North and Columbus East, that press box was named after Simmermaker. He was honored in a ceremony prior to the game.
“It was a very obvious decision that we wanted to honor Sam, and what better way than to name the press box after him,” said Hedy George, executive director of the Bull Dog Alumni Association. “We wanted it up front so people can see and remember him in the decades to come.”
“He’s an iconic voice in the community,” added Pete King, president of the Bull Dog Alumni Association. “Sixty-four years of climbing those steps in the stadium, 54 in all, and calling the game as he saw it. We couldn’t think of a more appropriate time for our community as a whole to honor such a legacy. On behalf of of 14,000 alumni, we want to say ‘Thank you.’”
The 92-year-old Simmermaker, who retired from White River Broadcasting in May, was surrounded by his wife Fran, two children and other family members. He was hesitant when approached about the possibility of naming the press box after him.
“My ‘No’s’ kind of fell on deaf ears,” Simmermaker said. “But I must admit, I’ve had a great time. I’m honored, blessed; family members gathering en masse. Columbus is home and has been home for decades and has meant everything to Sam and Fran.”
