Simmons ranks among his idols

CEDAR RAPIDS - Brian Simmons is a good example for young athletes, who aspire to reach the success of their idols.

He started pitching horseshoes and watched the top playings of the game. Now, he can find his name right next to the people he idolized in the record book.

“I used to watch all the greats. Elmer Hohl, Ted Allen and everything,” Simmons said of the multiple time world champion horseshoe pitchers. “I said, ‘Dad, someday I want to be like them.' ”

“I set a goal for myself and I was going to stay with it and try to be a tough competitor."

Simmons is one of the elite players in the 2010 National Horseshoes Pitchers Association World tournament at the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena. He will attempt to captured his third world championship today, beginning at 1:30 p.m.

Ask any horseshoe aficionado at the ice arena or someone who follows the sport for a who's-who of pitchers and two names will always pop up - Simmons and 15-time world champion Alan Francis. Simmons entered the tournament throwing ringers at a rate of 86.85%. That was second only to Francis, who pitches 90.55% ringers.

Simmons, of Bristol, Vt., is humbled to be acknowledged as one of the elite competitors. He was undefeated in 22 matches, leading up to Friday's competition.

“It's a good feeling, especially in this whole group of guys” Simmons said. “You're talking about playing against the best in the world.”

Simmons, who claimed lower level titles as a junior competitor, won men's open titles in 2000 at Bismarck, N.D., and 2002 at Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. If the next one comes in Cedar Rapids, he'll have to overcome the competitors and pain. Simmons, who experienced health issues that have kept him from competing in the world tournament in the past, is battling an injured left knee. He said he needs the knee replaced, but at 49 years old, he said doctors said they feel he's too young to have the procedure.

“I've been trying different ways to pitch so that it doesn't bother it as much,” said Simmons, who wears a knee pad and can be identified by his trademark headband. “It still hurts.”

That might make his feat of beating Francis Wednesday more impressive. He topped the seven-time defending world champion, 18-15, during qualifying play. Simmons knows the match against Francis today, which is expected to decide this year's title, will be much different.

“That was 40 shoes and but now you're talking 40-point games, which is altogether different,” said Simmons, noting he doesn't put much stock in Wednesday's victory over the defending champ. “Forty shoes is fast pitching and if you get off to a slow start you don't have that much time to get your game back up. Forty points, even if you get down a little bit, you have more time to get your rhythm back.”

Francis still has the advantage in the eight to 10 times they've played in world tournament matches, according to Simmons. He was also quick to point out Francis' edge ion world titles.

“I've just won those two,” Simmons said with a laugh. “Alan's won 15, going for his 16th.”

The 2009 was decided by the slimmest of margins. Francis edged Simmons by one ringer, which Simmons missed by the tiniest of spaces. Simmons doesn't consider Francis a rival since they are friends, but admits that the two bring the best out of one another in competition.

“I lost to him two or three times by a couple points,” Simmons said. “It's just trying to get over that little hump.”

Another championship would allow him to climb higher in the all-time rankings. He knows he can't overlook anyone and dethroning will be a huge challenge. A great feeling would come with the accomplishing of this latest goal.

“It would be sweet, but I know it's going to be tough with all these guys,” Simmons said. “You can't count anybody out or anything. Everyone in this place is pretty equal. Anybody can throw a top game at anytime.”