Social studies instructor Jim Simons has been teaching at Westside for 15 years and has been a fan of multiple Westside sports since his high school days.

“I grew up in Westside community schools, so I can remember going to my first Westside games around fifth or sixth grade,” Simons said. “I’ve been following Westside athletics since I was young.”

Simons is the head coach of one team, junior varsity boys basketball. He is also the assistant coach of varsity baseball. As a coach, Simons has multiple responsibilities to fulfill and puts forth his best effort to do so. He also collects statistics for varsity football, and attends various sporting events throughout the year.

“Whichever sport is in season has my full attention at that time,” Simons said. “I’ve been coaching baseball for 15 years and basketball for nine years.”

Simons attended Swanson Elementary and went on to be an athlete at Westside, playing baseball and basketball. He finds his schedule now, as a coach and a teacher, completely full from November to July due to sporting events and practices.

“I do go to some football games here and there,” Simons said. “I try to go to some football games locally when I am around and have time during the season.”

Outside of school, Simons also coaches the Omaha Sports Academy National 17U basketball team in the summer. Simons plans to continue his love for sports and stay involved in Westside athletics for as long as possible.