[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 185 (Thursday, December 10, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2921]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO SAM SIMMERMAKER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE PENCE

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 9, 2009

  Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the long and 
distinguished career of one of my heroes in broadcasting, Sam 
Simmermaker.
  For fifty years, Sam Simmermaker has been a fixture on the airwaves 
of WCSI/WKKG in my hometown of Columbus, Indiana. As the ``Voice of 
High School Sports'', Sam has amassed an extraordinary career over the 
last half century that deserves to be commemorated on the floor of the 
People's House.
  Both graduates of Indiana University in Bloomington, Sam and his 
beloved wife Fran came to Columbus in December of 1959 for what they 
thought would be a brief stop on their way to St. Louis. Sam was and 
still is a diehard Cardinals fan and it was his dream to become the 
radio voice of that baseball team.
  Thankfully, the Simmermakers never left our community in Eastern 
Indiana and on January 1, 2010, Sam will celebrate fifty years in 
broadcasting on WCSI.
  The list of awards and recognitions that Sam Simmermaker has received 
is long and distinguished. In 1976 and 1997, Sam was chosen as the 
National Sportscasters and Sportswriters ``Sportscaster of the Year.''
  He was inducted into the Indiana Sportswriters and Sportscasters Hall 
of Fame in 1998 and the Indiana Broadcast Association Hall of Fame a 
decade later.
  One of the biggest awards that Sam Simmermaker received was his 
induction into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. In 2006, he joined 
the long list of legendary Hoosier basketball players and coaches as a 
St. Vincent Silver Medal Award winner.
  Columbus High School basketball fans know him as the familiar voice 
of the Bull Dogs who for decades has brought a unique yet consistent 
style to a game that has evolved tremendously during his decades of 
service.
  Listeners and fans alike can identify Sam by his trademark call--
``Holy Cow!''--during his play-by-play call of local high school 
basketball, football and baseball games.
  Aside from his professional role, Sam continues to be an active 
citizen in the community. He serves as a board member of the Columbus 
Fire Department's Cheer Fund and is a member of the First Christian 
Church.
  Still an athlete, Sam can still be found playing first base in the 
Columbus Parks and Recreation Department's Old-Timer Slow Pitch 
Softball League.
  Sam's long career has spanned many games over the last fifty years, 
but more importantly, it is a testament to his dedication to his 
community, friends and family.
  Sam Simmermaker has become an icon in Columbus, Indiana and across 
its airwaves. To me, he will forever be a dear friend and mentor.

                          ____________________