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Welford "Dutch" Simmons
Class of 1947 Athlete  “Dutch” Simmons was an anchor on both the offensive and defensive lines for the Blue Streak football teams that won half-state championships in 1943 and 1944, compiling a 27 game undefeated streak in the process.In 1944 he missed by one vote earning a place on the All-State team. Following the 1944 season, Dutch enlisted in the military and served during the remainder of World War II. After his discharge at the end of 1945, Dutch returned to Harrisonburg and completed his football eligibility in 1947. He and a group of former Blue Streaks formed the Monogram Club, a football team that played other teams in the area. Dutch remained active in the military, serving 20 years in the Virginia state, including six years as Company Commander. He was also a coach in the Harrisonburg recreation leagues for a number of years and a member of the Elks Club and Exchange Club. Dutch worked for the U.S. Postal Service for a total of 35 years, the last six of which were as postmaster of the Bridgewater Post Office. |