Area football programs, coaches honor Simpson

Monday, February 15, 2021
Ernie Simpson

Not too long after Director of Human Resources for Clay Community Schools and Northview assistant football coach Ernie Simpson, 42, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, tributes began pouring in on social media from a variety of coaches and football programs – among many others that knew him.

Northview head girls basketball coach Zack Keyes, Northview head baseball coach Craig Trout and Northview head boys tennis coach Emily Goff were among those to write a note on Twitter or Facebook, thanking Simpson for the person he was.

“I will never forget the conversation Principal Simpson and I had in the hallway of Northview High School. He encouraged me to go back to College for teaching. He will be greatly missed,” said Keyes on Twitter.

“Ernie Simpson gave me an opportunity as a teacher and coach. He always backed me and was very supportive. I will never be able to repay him for the opportunities. My heart hurts tonight for his family and friends, may he rest in peace,” said Trout on Twitter.

“My heart is breaking...our community lost a great man! I still remember hearing about our new principal. He was close to my age, a former PE/health teacher and coach. I knew we were going to get along and I was right! He was the most caring, supportive principal to the staff and students at Northview! I'm not sure he ever missed any type of home event, whether it was an athletic game, band contest or whatever, he was there,” said Goff on Facebook.

Simpson was the head football coach at North Vermillion from 2009 to 2011. He was also an assistant football coach at South Vermillion, West Vigo and Northview.

All four schools kept their lights shining on their football fields throughout the night Thursday and then into the day Friday in his honor.

Prior to Saturday night’s home basketball game against Martinsville, Northview athletic director Scott Buell spoke about the man Simpson was and the impact he had at the school before asking for a moment of silence from the crowd to honor Simpson.

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