Levi Simpson has coached football, track, girls basketball and softball since graduating from college.
Now, Simpson can add a new sport to his coaching resume — golf.
Simpson, who came to Columbus East this fall as dean of students and assistant football coach, has been named the Olympians’ boys golf coach.
“This was a great opportunity for me to continue building positive relationships with student-athletes here at Columbus East High School,” Simpson said. “Really, anywhere I can help out and lend a hand, I’m more than willing to do so.”
Simpson played football and ran track at North Harrison High School and Earlham College. He was assistant football and girls basketball coach for two years at Switzerland County and spent one year as JV softball and one year as assistant track at Switzerland County.
In 2016, Simpson came to Columbus North as a teacher and assistant football and track coach. He spent four years at North before taking the dean of students job at East this year.
“I find Levi Simpson to be a strong leader, and (he) has a passion for high school athletics and will bring out the best of the young men who will be members of the Columbus East golf program,” East athletics director Pete Huse said.
Simpson replaces Jarrod Pennycuff. Last year’s boys golf season, along with all other spring sports, were canceled because of COVID-19.
“I’m really excited for that opportunity,” Simpson said. “I know that we’ll be able to find some success on and off the course.”
Montgomery picks Marian
Columbus North senior offensive tackle J.J. Montgomery has committed to continue his football career at Marian.
Montgomery led an offensive line that paved the way for 2,438 rushing and 1,275 passing yards this season. He earned All-Conference Indiana honors and helped the Bull Dogs to a 6-3 record and a conference championship.
Iorio headed to Oberlin
Columbus North senior goalkeeper Colvin Iorio has opted to continue his soccer career at Oberlin (Ohio).
Iorio recorded 101 saves with three shutouts and a 1.42 goals-against average this fall in earning All-Conference Indiana honors. He helped lead the Bull Dogs to a 7-5-5 record and a conference title.
Eagle earns IBCA honor
Brown County sophomore Abby Fleetwood has been named the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association District 3 Girls Player of the Week.
Fleetwood recorded 26 points, eight rebounds, four assists and nine steals in a 72-57 win against Eastern Greene and 32 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, six steals and three blocked shots in a 50-44 win against Owen Valley. On Saturday, she had 25 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, five steals and one block in a 59-58 loss at Sullivan.
Games moved, added
Columbus North has rescheduled its home girls basketball game against East Central for Jan. 14. The JV will begin at 6 p.m., with the varsity to follow at around 7:30 p.m.
Columbus East’s home girls basketball game scheduled for Tuesday against Lawrenceburg has been postponed since Lawrenceburg is in a county at the red level on the state’s COVID-19 dashboard. A makeup date has not yet been determined.
Jennings County’s home boys basketball game with Greensburg on Saturday will be a varsity-only contest at 6 p.m.
Columbus Christian and Brown County have added a boys basketball game for Tuesday at Columbus Christian. The JV will begin at 6 p.m., with the varsity to follow at around 7:30 p.m.
The Noblesville Tournament that the North boys were to compete in, and Eastern Green’s Toby Yoho Classic, which was to host the Trinity Lutheran girls, have been canceled. Both had been scheduled for Dec. 29-30. North’s boys have scheduled a game for Dec. 29 at Lawrence Central, with the JV beginning at 1 p.m., and the varsity set for 3 p.m.
Ted Schultz is sports editor for The Republic. He can be reached at [email protected] or 812-379-5628.
