I’m Dave Simon (G-A Class of 1971), proud member of the 1970 State Champion Rams and a two-time G-A Hall of Fame inductee. My family’s roots run deep at G-A — from my father Jim (’44) to my siblings Ken, Dan, and Koni. My brother Dan (’77) served as a junior high wrestling coach during the Jim Sullivan era, helping produce future state champions. Beyond school, I spent more than 30 years in both the restaurant and music industries, from helping open Michigan’s first Wendy’s to booking bands at Club Soda and the Stagecoach Barn in Richland. Through it all, the pride of being a Ram has never left me.
Hi, my name is Dave Simon, and I was raised in the Galesburg-Augusta Mi. area. Many of you may know me from my days attending the Galesburg-Augusta school system. I probably carried your mother's groceries out at Mollet's Market while I was working there through high school.
I graduated with the G-A Class of 1971.
I played football for four years, proudly wearing #65, and was part of the 1970 Class C State Championship team — still the last football state title in G-A history. I also wrestled for four years at 185 lbs/Heavyweight.
I am honored to be inducted twice into the G-A Hall of Fame.
Sports and G-A tradition run deep in my family. My father, Jim (’44), was a halfback and football captain. My sister, Koni (’65), started the Grapplets cheer squad for wrestling.
My brother, Ken (’74), placed 6th at the state wrestling finals and co-founded one of the very first youth wrestling programs in the United States.
My brother, Dan (’77), was part of the 9–1 football team of 1976 — every member later a G-A Hall of Fame inductee. Dan also coached junior high wrestling, during Jim Sullivan’s era as head wrestling coach at G-A. They helping guide future champions, including 1999 state champion Jared Buchino.
Our parents, Jim and Liz supported my sister, my brothers and myself 110% in any of our athletic or high school endeavors equally.
After high school, I spent 30 years in the restaurant business and another 30 years in the music/entertainment industry.
I have a associates degree in Liberal arts from Kalamazoo Valley, Community College.
Wherever life has taken me, I’ve always carried the lessons of family, teamwork, and Ram pride from my Galesburg roots.