Pitching?shoes?today for all the marbles

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

“I used to watch all the greats. Elmer Hohl, Ted Allen and everything,” Simmons said. “I said, ‘Dad, some day 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 will attempt to win this third world championship at the National Horseshoes Pitchers Association World tournament in the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena today at 1:30 p.m.

Ask any horseshoes aficionado for a “who's who” of pitchers and two names will always pop up - Simmons and 15-time world champion Alan Francis. Simmons entered this tournament throwing ringers at a rate of 86.85 percent, second only to Francis' 90.55 percent.

Simmons, of Bristol, Vt., was undefeated in 22 matches heading into 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, 49, 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 competitors and pain. Simmons is battling an injured left knee that needs to be replaced but doctors say 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 makes beating Francis even more impressive. He topped the seven-time defending world champion, 18-15, in qualifying Wednesday. Simmons knows the match against Francis today, which is expected to decide the title, will be much different.

“That was 40 shoes, but now you're talking 40-point games, which is altogether different,” Simmons said. “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.”

Another championship would allow him to climb higher in the all-time rankings.

“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. Everyone in this place is pretty equal. Anybody can throw a top game at any time.”