Lake Zurich Varsity Players and Coaches Honor Coach Gary Simon
News Release
Lake Zurich IL.
For more information contact: Jeff Mulder - 847-726-0706
For Immediate Release: July 17, 2013
Lake Zurich Varsity Players and Coaches Honor Coach Gary Simon
Former and current Lake Zurich Varsity Baseball players and coaches got together this past Saturday to honor and pay respect to Gary Simon long time varsity coach at Lake Zurich High School.
Simon's contract to coach the varsity team was not renewed for next year and as a result, the players held a celebration to thank Coach Simon for his leadership and dedication to the program at Lake Zurich.
Pictured with Simon (middle holding plaque given to him by his players) are current and former players and assistant coaches Simon worked with over his long tenure with Lake Zurich.
“Coach Simon has done so much for the program” said Tony Drago, one of Simon's assistant coaches. “ A new score board, dugouts and other improvements were made to the field under Coach Simon's leadership”.
Coach Simon also organized summer baseball camps and workout programs in the winter to develop local youth and provide players an opportunity to develop their skills. Simon also worked closely with the Lake Zurich American Legion Post baseball team and coordinated player assignments between the legion and the high school summer team to help players get more playing time with both teams.
While it is clear that Simon knows his baseball, it is also widely known that he cared for his players as people and students. “After a fire at our home, Coach Simon offered me a place to stay at his home while we looked for temporary housing. He would have taken in our whole family if needed.” said Michael Mulder, a pitcher on this years team.
“Coach Simon really knows baseball and is passionate about the game. He taught us so much about the game and also to be better people through his words (and long stories) – but mostly his actions” said Tanner Kiser, an All-Conference First Baseman on the varsity team this past year.
“We hope he is back on the field again soon” said Anthony Drago, who played 3 years on the varsity team for coach Simon and was an All Conference Catcher on this years team. “I don't know of anyone who is more knowledgeable about the game than Coach.” “And he proved it when he would give one of his long and famous stories after a equally long practice!” joked James DeGeorge, another All-Conference player on this years team.
While it's clear from the sincere comments and good natured ribs of players and many parents, Simon will be missed. He may be out on the field again shortly however as there are reports other schools are talking with him about coaching opportunity's.
"Let's hope so". Said Dave Pizzolato, father of short-stop Joey Pizzolato. "We need more coaches like Simon, leading the youth of our communities".