Monk Simons

Bio

Tulane football had dominated the boyhood dreams of Claude Simons, the son of the Green Wave's highly-regarded athletic trainer. "Little Monk" had spent hours envisioning himself as a Tulane gridiron star. They were far from impossible dreams, for Simons was to become one of the greatest half backs in Tulane history. As a senior in 1934, Simons led the Green Wave to nine wins in ten regular season games, and the Tulane squad was invited to host the first Sugar Bowl game. Coach Pop Warner's much-heralded Temple team was to be the opponent as more than 22,000 fans poured into the stadium that New Year's Day in 1935. The partisan crowd was hushed by two quick Temple touchdowns, but Simons had saved his best for last. After the second Owl TD, Tulane's Johnny McDaniel handed off to Simons, and the fleet-footed halfback raced 86 yards down the sideline for the score that ignited the Green Wave to a comeback and eventual victory, 20-14. Simons was hailed as the Wave's premier back that season, winning All-Southeastern Conference and All America mention. It is unlikely that Simons realized the special destiny the Sugar Bowl would hold for him. Years later, he would serve as the bowl's president.

Career Highlights

• 1934 All-Conference
• 1934 Second Team All-America