The Business End of Semi-Pro
Most men of moderate sanity might pursue milder forms of leisurely diversions once their high school and college playing days end. Golf, softball, and Friday night poker would certainly suffice for many; they’re sounding better and better to me. With “two-a-days” a distant memory, it is perhaps only the most foolhardy who sign up for two football practices a week during the dog days of summer. Yet that’s what is asked of players on the Lafayette Lions.
For Lions like Richard Simmons (not that one) the time commitment is even more taxing. An offensive lineman who joined the team some five years ago, Simmons serves as the team’s general manager, logging another 40 donated hours a week. What’s more, his wife Laurie, the team treasurer, puts in about 40 herself. And it’s a commitment that spans the calendar. From monthly league meetings to lift-a-thon fund raisers, callouts to collections (for player fees), sponsorships to concessions, Rich may be weary. But he claims it’s the love of the game that eases the pain of the administrative side of things.
“It’s the camaraderie and the friendships developed over the years that make it worthwhile,” Simmons says. The offensive linemen in particular have formed a tight-knit group over the years, getting together for cookouts and spending time with the various families.
An “infrastructure systems administrator” for Purdue by day, Simmons was instrumental in helping the Lions jump to the Mid States Football League this year. For a guy who grew up in Baltimore cheering on the Colts before they stole out of town for Indianapolis, the Lions help keep football a family affair. The youngest two of their four kids can often be seen hanging around practices and games.
On game day, nursing legs about three years younger than my own, Simmons often takes the field on the same special teams he coaches, thus enabling a man of many hats to strap on a helmet once in a while. I guess that’s one way for an oldie to keep sweating it off (sorry, Rich). To see Rich and a ragtag group of semi-professionals, check out the Lafayette Lions schedule. The season starts July 29. Adults: mention “Bill’s Blog” and get in for $5. Have your offspring under 12 bring it up and they’ll get in absolutely free.