John Simon came to Sidwell Friends in 1989, after spending six years with the Border Patrol and dedicating 29 years to the Immigration Service.

He was known to everyone at Sidwell as Coach.  Coach Simon was the Head Football Coach, Head Baseball Coach, and spent a few winters as an Assistant Wrestling Coach.

Coach Simon’s baseball teams won a MAC title and also were City Champions in 2011.

It was on the football field that Coach Simon had the most success.  Over his career at Sidwell Friends his teams won 101 games. He won 7 MAC Football Titles. Coach Simon’s teams won 6 consecutive titles and in one season they did not allow a point to any MAC opponent.  The 2016 team won the DC State Title.  Many of Coach’s players went on to have successful playing careers in college.  Some of the notable ones are Walter Rouse, offensive tackle for Stanford.  Jamie Donovan, leading rusher in Ithaca history.  Miles Brown, FCS All American at Wofford.  Amir Jenkins, four-year wide receiver starter for US Naval Academy.

Coach Simon will be remembered for his passion and dedication to the athletic program at Sidwell Friends.  He impacted many students’ lives in his 32 years at Sidwell.

In addition to coaching, John has a great passion for college football. This fall, he will now have more time to spend watching games.  John also loves to get in his truck with his wife, Rosario, and just drive and see where they end up and explore new places. I hope he will travel to South Carolina for a visit.

Rosario and John will split time between their two residences in McLean, Virginia and Marfa, Texas. They bought and renovated her parents’ house in Texas. Their son, wife and two grandchildren live in their neighborhood in McLean. Hopefully, they will have more time to spend in their son’s pool.

Thank you, Coach Simon, for everything you have done for Sidwell Athletics.

You will be missed!