Vindicator file photo / Fitch senior Todd Simons drives to the basket in this file photo against Hudson. Simons set single-season and career scoring records in basketball for Fitch, but has decided to be a preferred walk-on with the West Virginia football team after setting career records with the Falcons’ football team.

AUSTINTOWN — It’s been quite a school year for Fitch senior Todd Simons.

Despite playing just six games for the Falcons’ football team, Simons managed to make 26 receptions for 517 yards and finish his career as the program’s all-time leader in receiving yards (1,125) and receiving touchdowns (14). He moved to third all-time in receptions (53).

Those career totals are impressive considering Simons, a 6-foot-3, 190-pound receiver, played only 16 career games offensively. He started as a safety as a sophomore when the Falcons went 8-3.

“When I was younger, I never saw myself as a dominant force on the football field,” said Simons, who was injured and missed both playoff games last fall when the Falcons finished 7-1. “I love basketball and football, but almost every time I took the court, I felt I was the best player there and I could really affect the game and the opponent.”

On Dec. 22, Simons surpassed the 1,000-point plateau for the Fitch basketball team in a game against Marlington. On Feb. 9 in a game against Howland, he became the school’s all-time leading scorer, passing the longtime previous mark of 1,287 set by Jack Morrison (1952-55).

On Feb. 27 in a season-ending 72-56 loss to Akron Hoban in the second round of the Division I district tournament, Simons broke Morrison’s record of most points scored in a single season. Simons finished with 531 points, 19 more than Morrison.

“I always wanted to break basketball records,” Simons admitted. “I always wanted to be a 1,000-point scorer. Those were goals for me. The football records were different. I didn’t set out to accomplish those. I didn’t even know what they were. I only knew that I’ve got one that will never be broken. I’ve got the longest reception ever at Fitch. It’s 99 yards, so nobody can break it.”

So with his sights set more on basketball at a younger age, one might think he was eagerly seeking and awaiting college scholarship offers.

But on Feb. 3, Simons accepted a preferred-walkon scholarship offer from West Virginia.

“I began realizing that when I competed in AAU, 6-3 or 6-4 wasn’t very big and that there were point guards my size,” Simons said. “When you’ve been a big guy all the way through to that point and you’re getting dunked on by guys who are 6-10, you begin to wonder.

“I think the biggest eye-opener for me was when coach (T.J.) Parker took over the football program to replace coach (Phil) Annarella and we had a change in style. We started to pass the ball. Coach Annarella loved to run the ball so much. I think I only got in on offense in one game as a sophomore.”

Another change, according to Parker, was the addition of strength and conditioning coach Daniel Wedding.

“Todd really put the work in, especially leading into this season,” Parker said. “I don’t think he every asserted himself in the weight room before his junior season. He put on good weight, became more physical and we really saw the fruits of his labor.

“He received several Division II offers, but Todd had his goal set to play in Division I. When West Virginia saw film, saw his size and the way he uses his body, his route running, ability to catch the ball over the middle and the way he can make people miss with the ball in his hands, they were stunned he didn’t have any D-1 offers. For my money, I’d say he’s one of the most underrated receivers in the state.”

Simons can’t wait to report to West Virginia in mid-July and is hoping the Mountaineers’ precamp workout program will have him ready to play at 200 or more pounds.

“I’m going through their program right now, two hours a day for four days a week and it’s a lot of volume,” Simons said. “I’d like to be 200 to 205 when I get there. I was between 170 and 175 entering my junior year and have added 15 pounds of muscle since. You know, my dad tried to get me to start lifting in like eighth grade and I never saw the importance of it. I never gave it a serious thought. I was taller and bigger and stronger than all the players I was going against in basketball or football, so it really didn’t matter to me. I wish I could’ve seen the future.”

Fitch basketball coach Brian Beany was happy Simons continued to love to play basketball for the Falcons.

“I mean, his versatility and athleticism really stand out,” Beany said. “He’s difficult to defend because he can play inside or outside. Defensively, he guarded every position on the floor. Offensively, he can take it to the basket, handle the ball in transition and just be a difficult matchup for opponents. He was also multi-dimensional in his skill set. He blocked shots, rebounded and made stelals. He wasn’t just a scorer.”

On the court for Fitch this winter, Simons averaged 22.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.8 steals and 2.6 assists.

“He did all of that knowing that he would get the opponents’ best player on the floor,” Beany said. “He knew he’d get double-teammed and get extra attention when rebounding. He knew he had to bring his A-game all of the time. And that’s exactly what he did.

“In my heart, I wish he was going to continue to play basketball on the next level, but that’s just me being selfish because I’d be able to watch him play longer. I think he has more opportunity in football. I don’t think playing Division I in football or basketball would have fazed him. Nothing fazes him.”

Simons agreed.

“I don’t care that I’m a walk-on at this moment,” he said. “I want to play in a Power-5 conference and this is my chance to prove myself. Nothing is ever given to you. You have to earn it and that’s my next goal. I like the challenge. I can’t wait to get to Morgantown.”