KEARNEY, Mo. — In mid-April 1983, twelve-year-old Tommy Simone, a bright, positive, encouraging young student and aspiring athlete was tragically killed in an automobile incident. But Tommy’s spirit never passed away.  He still lives on, influencing others with the help of his family, his friends, and the community.

The Dr. D.M. Nigro Award existed from 1932 to 1976.  It was an annual award to the most outstanding high school football player in the Kansas City metro area.  As a tribute to their son, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Simone, Sr., stepped up to help re-establish the tradition, and thus began the Thomas A. Simone Memorial Football Award.

The Simone-Fontana Foundation, founded by friends of the Simone family, has given more than $500,000 to Children’s Mercy Hospital and contributed more than $1,000,000 overall to local charities and schools.  The Foundation now presents five $1,500 checks annually to the winning school of the Simone awards presented.

Now in its 40^th year, the Simone award expanded over the years to include not only the Simone Award for the most outstanding player, but the Fontana Award for the top player from smaller class schools. The Buck Buchanan Award goes to the top lineman or linebacker in large class schools.  The Bobby Bell Award goes to the top lineman or linebacker from the smaller schools. The Otis Taylor Award goes to the top Tight End or Wide Receiver.

Melvin Laster from Liberty North won the Buck Buchanan Award in 2021.  Bobby Bell Award winners from Kearney include Cale Garrett of Kearney (2015), Joe Windsor (2009), Brock Christopher (2003-2004.)  Marcus Lucus of Liberty won the Otis Taylor Award in 2008.  Shane Hartzler (2010), Conrad Schottel (2008) and Benny Palmer (2003), of Kearney were recipients of the Fontana Award.

The high school of the Simone Award recipient hosts the award ceremony, which is a large event held after the conclusion of the season.  The message presented there is powerful and impactful.  

“It is very rewarding for us that we are able to keep Tommy’s name alive and present his message to the nominees and winners of these awards,” says Thomas Simone Senior. “Tommy stood for love, friendship, courage, and champions.”

Anthony Simone, the younger brother of Tommy, never got to meet his brother, as his mother was pregnant with him when Tommy passed.  But the impact of Tommy’s life on him has been tremendous.

“It makes you proud to see his legacy and know how he lived his life, has affected me, his family, and see his legacy impact the youth in the Kansas City area,” says Anthony. “We go into a gym for the awards with over 2,000 people and they all hear Tommy’s message.  It makes you proud knowing that my brother had that kind of impact.”

Former KC Chief, Larry Marshall, an ambassador for the Simone Awards, says “There are coaches all over the country that have been to this event.  This has always been about giving back to the community. It was supported by Lamar Hunt. For what the Simone family has done for the better part of four decades, this family is humble.  They have touched the entire KC metro community.  It is remarkable to sustain it and make it bigger year after year. The impact on people’s lives is special. “

One day, completely out of the blue, Thomas Simone Sr. received a phone call. It was thirty years after Tommy had passed away. On the phone was a man that now lived in Texas that Tommy defended from bullies at school. Tommy was always a big kid for his age.  He always watched out for kids that couldn’t defend themselves. Says Simone, “The man told me he wouldn’t be where he is in life now, without the help he got at school from Tommy.”

Love.  Friendship. Courage. Champion.  Tommy Simone’s legacy lives on.

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