Today's one-liner: "The shortest way to the distinguishing excellence of any writer is through his hostile critics." Richard LeGallienne
Local Government TV
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Sunday, August 31, 2014
Fabulous Freddie!
Bethlehem Catholic Senior WR Freddie Simmons is arguably the Lehigh Valley's most likely Division I prospect. His Friday night four-touchdown performance (one was called back on a hold) against cross-town rival Liberty High School was poetry in motion. Both speed and deception had defenders running into each other as he would make his way down the field, virtually untouched. He's the best I've ever seen at Beca.
During last year's games, I certainly heard his name called out often enough for tremendous plays that he seemed to just will to happen at times. But what really turned me into a Freddie Simmons fan is his performance on the basketball court. I watched him in several games last Winter, and there were times when I just couldn't stop laughing. He would really enjoy himself, and loved to joke around with the refs and his opponents.
This Summer, I saw Freddie in action again during the games that were held at Cedar Beach. Instead of being cocky with the younger players like my grandson, he would actually help them out and encourage them.If they made a mistake, he would be quick to give them a re-assuring pat on the back.
He is also something of a track star, as you might imagine. last Spring, he led off a relay race for Beca, but dropped the baton, which put the school behind. The anchor runner gave it everything he had, and Beca won the race. Freddie, who was upset with himself over dropping the baton, was so happy and appreciative of his teammate that he repaid him in a strange and very selfless way.
There was a hurdles event, and Freddie was way ahead, with the anchor band the closet hurdler in sight. Right before the end, Freddie pulled up and let the anchor pass him and win the race.
I'm told that he sometimes asks his football coach to take him out and give other players a chance.
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Yes, he is emotional. High strung. But he is a great teammate and a great person.
20 comments:
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Holy smokes! Look at him fly. Great videos. Were these produced by a tv station?
ReplyDeleteThey come from the Hudl site, which is probably getting footage of athletes for the colleges. They were taken on Liberty's side of the field and must have been someone in the box, maybe one of the coaches. I had some video, but this is a lot better.
ReplyDeleteBeca's varsity crushed, but freshman lost the next day, 30-12. Dat had a head to head collision, and was a little dizzy. He's done until Tuesday, when he sees a specialist. They take these things seriously now.
His game winning kick-off return against Emmaus last year is the single most incredible play I have every seen in football, at ANY level.
ReplyDeleteWow. He's terrific. He made a season's highlight reel in just one game. Their RB, Mike McDaniel, is a star as well.
ReplyDeleteHe is amazing, too. and you can see him here.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.hudl.com/athlete/1260580/michael-mcdaniel
Where did he transfer from?
ReplyDeleteAs you undoubtedly know, he lives in Palmer. As I understand it, he was unhappy at Easton. It's too bad for Easton. They could probably use him against Parkland.
ReplyDeletei thought that Palmer students wen't to ND . That kid is the real deal.
ReplyDeleteMost of them do go to ND, and they might kidnap Freddie after seeing this tape.
ReplyDeleteWho cares about the laundry on his back? The story is this sensational kid who would be sensational in any uniform. Wow!
ReplyDeleteAn amazing talent, would look good next fall with the Fighting Irish!
ReplyDeleteThink he's looking at Wake Forest.
ReplyDeleteNotre Dame most likely would not give him a free ride like Beca has.
ReplyDeleteI think they would, but this story is not about recruiting. Let's save that another day. This story is about a magnificent athlete whose movements on the field are a work of art. As someone noted, it doesn't matter whose Jersey he wears.
ReplyDeleteI just deleted a negative comment. These are kids. I am not going to allow you trolls to get all pissy. like you are about everything else. Stay positive, or your comment won't last log.
ReplyDeleteDo you have a son that plays for Becca?
ReplyDeleteMy grandson is on the freshman team.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for this beautiful article about my son, Freddie. He is a great kid, on & off the field & I am a proud mother. He was all too excited to show me your blog (didn't even drop his book bag before logging on to show me). Nice of you to keep things positive too. Kids will be kids. Good luck to your grandson, maybe I'll see you at the games.
ReplyDeleteA few small notes.... Freddie has always wanted to go to catholic school, I am a Notre Dame alum & always spoke of how much I loved school and having that "family atmosphere" at a small school. We couldn't afford to send him in younger years, but always said we would try to work it out for high school. Freddie does not have a full ride to Beca & always chuckle when people assume that.
Glad to hear Dat is doing better, he's such a nice kid.
ReplyDeleteVal, Freddie is who he is because of you and his father. You are both very good people and it was an honor to meet you both this Summer during one of those basketball tournaments. Freddie is the best I ever saw. What I love about him most is that he seems to play for the pure joy of the sport. He brings out the best in everyone.
ReplyDelete