Dick Simpson

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Dick Simpson was a two-sport standout for the Indians during his time at Napa High, but truly excelled on the football field. A Co-Captain on the 1964-1965 squad, he had the unique distinction of being named to the All-North Bay League team at both the guard and tackle positions. His contributions to the team also gave the Indians a North Bay League title, with a perfect 5-0 NBL record.

One of just five juniors to letter on the 1963 squad, Simpson’s accolades grew during his senior campaign. He was named to the 1964 Second-team All-Northern California, the recipient of the Napa American Legion Post 113 Most Valuable Lineman Award, as well as the MVP of the 1964 Indians team. Additionally, he was nominated to play in the North-South Shrine All-Star Football Classic in Los Angeles.

While football rounded out his athletic achievements, Simpson also shined in the classroom. He was selected as a Scholar-Athlete Award winner by The National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame in 1964 and received many letters of interest from Colorado, Stanford, Nebraska, and the University of California for football. Ultimately, the Napa High Student Body President selected Cal and he went on to play for the Bears on a partial scholarship. He was a two-way starter at tackle on the freshman team in 1965 and awarded the “Unsung Player” award during spring football in 1966.

Simpson, who retired after a 39-year teaching career that included students at each of the K-12 levels, now lives in the Pacific Northwest with his wife Irene. They have made Arlington, Washington their home for the past 37 years.

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