Friday, March 29, 2024

Simmons brothers leave lasting mark on program

February 26, 2007
MSU senior Nick Simmons, top, puts a hold on Oklahoma's Henry Roman during Friday's 24-15 loss to Oklahoma at Jenison Field House. Simmons broke MSU's falls record by pinning Roman in 58 seconds. —

It was over in 58 seconds.

Friday was the last time Nick Simmons stepped on the wrestling platform at Jenison Field House for a dual meet. His 133-pound match against Oklahoma's Henry Roman was the last of the night and served as the grand finale.

It couldn't have been planned any better.

Simmons, ranked No. 2 in the country, went out on top with a record-breaking pin in 58 seconds that inspired a standing ovation from a crowd that had been anticipating the moment all evening. Posting his 46th pin to set a new record for MSU all-time falls, Simmons took the record from Jim Mason, who collected 45 from 1980-84.

"It felt good getting that fall right there and getting it out of the way," Simmons said. "But I got a lot of work to do before (Big Ten Championships) and nationals, and I'll hopefully top it off there."

Something was different in Jenison Field House that night. It didn't clear out soon after the meet, despite MSU's 24-15 loss to Oklahoma. Fans, young and old, seemed to be waiting to congratulate Simmons on his new record. He emerged from the locker room to find a group of younger wrestlers waiting for autographs on their MSU wrestling posters.

Simmons boasts an impressive record, including being a four-time All-American at 125 pounds and a two-time defending Big Ten Champion.

A Senior Night ceremony prior to the meet honored Simmons, his brother Andy and senior Tony Greathouse.

"I can remember when these three young men walked on our campus, when they first came to practice and when they first stepped on the stage and competed for us," MSU head coach Tom Minkel. "These three young men wrestled almost 400 matches for us, representing Michigan State, and they've represented us very well indeed."

A lot of attention has been brought to wrestling through the Simmons brothers that probably wouldn't have been there otherwise, Minkel said.

"Nick, in particular, is such a unique wrestler and has such unique style that nationwide, people love to watch them compete," he said.

The Simmonses have been wrestling since they were about 4 years old, and having grown up in Williamston — about 10 miles east of East Lansing — which has made it easier for their friends and family to come out and watch them compete.

Nick Simmons finds encouragement in having his brother on the team with him.

"We're always there for each other — we go to each other with anything, pick each other up, motivate each other," he said.

Minkel said the brothers are individual in their style and disposition; and although they are very close, they seldom work out together in the wrestling room.

"But there's no question they have a lot to do with each other's success," he said.

Andy Simmons, ranked No. 4 in the nation at 141 pounds, competed in the first match of the dual Friday for the first time since his Feb. 9 dual against Minnesota because of an injury. With a 20-1 career home record, he lost in a shocking upset to Oklahoma freshman Kyle Terry with a final score of 4-2.

"Andy's been out of the lineup with a back injury, and it's affected him in a lot of ways," Minkel said. "But he needs to be competing. The (Big Ten Championships) are a week from today, so win or lose, this is valuable to him to get out there and get some competition."

Minkel expects the two-time All-American and defending Big Ten Champion to still be in the mix for the Big Ten Championships despite his injury.

He also expects Nick Simmons to receive the No. 1 seed in his weight class, but Nick is trying not to worry about it too much.

"My mind is usually blank before I go out there, and I don't like to put a whole lot of pressure on myself or think too much," Nick Simmons said. "Bad things happen when you think. I just kinda do."

Discussion

Share and discuss “Simmons brothers leave lasting mark on program” on social media.