Tommy Simone was killed on April 16, 1983 when he was struck by a police patrol wagon near the location of Necco Coffee's former offices on Independence Avenue. Since then family and friends of Tommy have worked to keep his memory alive through a golf tournament that raises funds for awards, scholarships and other local charities, and a youth football tournament. The memory of a young boy full of love, courage, and friendship.

The Simone-Fontana Memorial Golf Classic

The Simone-Fontana Memorial Golf Classic has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over the past 20 years. These funds have been channeled directly into the Kansas City community. Held each June, the two-day event includes a calcutta and cocktail evening, the tournament, and cocktails and dinner.

The Annual Simone Youth Football Tournament

In late August young players gather for one day to play football in front of their families and friends. The annual Simone Tournament typically draws more than 900 kids in grades 3 - 8 from all over the Kansas City area. They come to play and have some fun and that's the purpose of this annual event.

Thirty-five or more teams will compete each year in a round-robin tournament in various divisions for team awards and traveling trophies. A Most Valuable Player will be awarded a scholarship to an area football camp.

The Thomas A. Simone Memorial Football Award

The Thomas A. Simone Memorial Football Award is presented annually to the outstanding high school football player of the greater Kansas City metropolitan area.

This award, established in 1931 in the name of Dr. D.M. Nigro, continued until Dr. Nigro's death in 1976. The award was reinstated by Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Simone as a tribute to their 12-year-old son, Tommy, who was tragically killed in an automobile accident in April, 1983.

The recipient of this prestigious award is selected by area coaches as the football player most representative of excellence on the playing field.

The trophy presented symbolizes the qualities of love, courage, and friendship which young Tommy so aptly displayed.

The Necco Raider Football Club

Hundreds of first through eighth grade students in the Kansas City Metro area learned the game of football from coaches of their Necco Raiders football team. Necco Coffee has sponsored the Raiders teams since 1985. The Raiders play in the North Suburban Youth Football League (NSYFL) and currently consist of six teams: First and Second Graders (Flag), Third and Fourth Graders (tackle); Fifth & Sixth Graders (tackle); and Seventh & Eight Graders (tackle). The Raider uniform includes a #73 tribute patch to honor Tommy Simone.

http://thesimoneaward.com/ 

(25th year of the presentation)

 

Winner -- Nathan Scheelhaase, Jr., Rockhurst HS. 

Nathan is the first underclassman to win the Simone Award.  An extremely athletic playmaker for the Hawklets, he helped lead them to the State Championship in 2007.  Nathan has played defensive back and receiver for the Rockhurst in the past, but in 2007 he served as the quarterback exclusively.  With the assistance of a tremendous line, outstanding backs, talented receivers, a stingy defense, and tide-turning special teams, the Hawklets finished the season undefeated.  Nathan was quick to recognize the efforts of his teammates and coaching staff as he graciously accepted the award on their behalf, and he also gave thanks to his parents for their time and support from his time as a youth player until his varsity successes. 

 

Nathan also mentioned how special winning the Simone Award was to him, stating that he has heard about the competitive nature of the Simone Memorial Football Tournament, and that he has watched the award ceremonies since he was a little boy and dreamed of one day being a part of the program himself. 

 

The race for the 2008 Thomas A. Simone Award has now officially begun, and by the looks of things, Nathan Scheelhaase will not only represent the 2007 award well, but he will play a major role in determining the winner next season. 
 

Other Simone Finalists -- Carlos Anderson, Sr., Blue Springs HS

Donte Strickland, Sr., Blue Springs South HS

Dalton Krysa, Sr., Fort Osage HS

 

Special Guest Speaker

Tony Gonzalez, Kansas City Chiefs

 

The Necco Raiders were represented by Finalists for two of the other awards presented on December 4th.  Joe Kassanavoid, Lawson HS, was nominated for the Frank Fontana Award, which is presented to the outstanding high school football player in the smaller class (MO 1-4 and KS 1A-4A).  Chad Kilgore, Excelsior HS, was nominated for the Bobby Bell Award, which is presented to the most outstanding defensive player in the small class (MO 1-4 and KS 1A-4A).