Lafayette High School senior Ja’Marion Simms signs with Augustana football

By: Brett Kennedy

(ST. JOSEPH, MO) – Lafayette High School senior Ja’Marion Simms signed to play college football with Augustana University on Tuesday.

The 6’9, 320 pounder will play on the offensive line for the Vikings in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

“They were the first people to give me my opportunity, basically. First people to really give me the my my official offer, first people to shoot that shot on me,” said Simms. “So obviously I’m going to award that person and they’re just a great college overall, great program. Division one hockey. I love that, great football program as well. They went 9-3 last season.”

Simms already has Augustana’s week 1 opponent circled on his calendar, the Vikings play in St. Joseph against MoWest on Thursday, August 27th at 7 pm.

“Definitely happy to come back to Missouri Western State. We play them September 27th. I’m excited to come back there. Just kind of get my teammates, my friends and my coaches to come to the game, watch us play, kind of see what we’re about,” said Simms. “It’s all the way up in South Dakota, so nobody’s really ever heard of it. It’s a small division. It’s small Division two, but they’re very good. So excited to see what that game has to offer.”

The student athlete wasn’t shy sharing credit for his success where he felt it was due, saying Lafayette head coach Nate Daugherty played a big part of how far he’s come.

“hat’s my that’s been my coach since I’ve come here. (Coach Daugherty) came in as an assistant coach my freshman year. Move to head coach my sophomore year, and it’s kind of just been an ongoing connection with me and him,” said Simms. “He took me on my first visit to Augustana actually. My parents, they’ve just always been there for me. Just a good support system with my parents. Daugherty, though. I can’t thank him enough.He’s just always been there. Like, always been my coach. He’s helped me immensely in the classroom.”