By Joshua Koch
Public Communications
John Simmons qualified for the UIL State Swim Meet each of his four-year swim career at Atascocita High School.
It was in his final trip to the University of Texas in February that he finally found gold and stood atop the podium. The Atascocita senior won the Class 6A State Championship in the 100-yard backstroke on February 22.
Simmons won the race with a time of 47.11 seconds and beat out the next swimmer to the wall by a mere 0.17 seconds. The 12-time All-American swimmer was finally a State Champion.
“It was like euphoria because my first three years I went to the State Meet and it didn’t go my way,” Simmons said. “I tried to do things differently this year and it worked out. I touched the wall, it wasn’t my best time, but it was the fact that I got my hand on the wall first that made me really happy and proud of myself.”
Simmons was honored for his accomplishment at the Humble ISD School Board Meeting on Tuesday, March 18.
Coached by David Pink and Amy Brown, Simmons leaves Atascocita High School holding nine varsity records and four freshman records. His career accolades include being a two-time State medalist and a seven-time State qualifier. Simmons was also a five-time Regional Champion and two-time District Champion.
“I hope people know that hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard,” Simmons said about his legacy at Atascocita High School. “You can be the most talented swimmer in the water and if you don’t work hard it’s not going to go your way. I think I did a good job throughout my four years of instilling that culture of hard work into AHS swimming. I hope to see it grow in the future when I’m gone.”
Simmons now turns the page to his collegiate swim career, which he will spend just up the road in College Station at Texas A&M and competing in the SEC.
“I’m really excited. It’s completely different these next four years and I hope I can carry this momentum to Texas A&M and help them place higher at NCAAs and hope to make NCAAs as a freshman,” Simmons said.
Pictured Above: Atascocita High School Principal Will Falker, Board President Chris Parker, Atascocita senior John Simmons, Atascocita swim coach Amy Brown and Humble ISD Superintendent Dr. Roger Brown are pictured at the Tuesday, March 18, Humble ISD Board of Trustees Meeting.