As a youngster, no doubt many of you at one time or another played the game “Simon Says.” In the game, one player assumes the role of Simon and shouts out instructions to the other players. The other players respond only when those instructions are prefaced by “Simon says.” Players responding to instructions not prefaced by “Simon says,” and those who did not respond to instructions prefaced by “Simon says” are out. The last person remaining becomes the next Simon.

A similar but quite different version of the game will be experienced by South Williamsport basketball candidates seeking a spot on the Mountaineers hoop roster this fall. While they will be playing the game, they best heed the instructions given out by their new coach, none other than Joe Simon.

A graduate of Bucktail High School and Penn College, Simon was recently hired as the new Mountaineers head basketball coach, marking the second time he has held that position. He served for two seasons previously before job commitments, and the arrival of his first child caused him to step away.

Asked why the renewed interest, Simon enthusiastically responded.

“For the love of the game of basketball. I started playing when I was two years old and played all the way through high school and college. I really enjoyed the opportunity provided to coach at South the first time around, and in the four years I’ve been away, I always got myself out to as many high school games as I could.

“When I heard the job was coming back open after Rob Houseknecht stepped away, with my previous connection to South, it really piqued my interest. Many of our players were in junior high and elementary programs when I was here before, so that provided additional interest. But really, the game itself — I never let go of it. It was always there in the back of my mind, and with the support of my wife, Miranda, I am most appreciative for the opportunity to be back.”

Things have changed at South since Simon’s previous departure. The Mounties have switched leagues from the Heartland Conference to the Mid-Penn and have a promising crop of players returning. But, Simon admits he has also changed during his time away.

“The big thing that has changed in me over those four years is patience. It’s due to maturity, getting married, and having a family of my own. The first time I came on board, I was a couple of years removed from college with the fast-paced and competitiveness of college, and I came in probably a little bull-headed, stern, and expected play to be at that college level. Now, obviously stepping back, I’ve adjusted and watched how other high school coaches handle their programs. I think those observations and knowledge will be a big help this time around.

“The style and the type of game I like will not change as far as the fast-paced up-tempo game. That is just in my nature. Installing a teaching and learning environment as opposed to a right and wrong type environment is the outlook I’d like to evolve during my tenure at South. If a kid makes a mistake and needs to be taken out of a game, I’ll do that. But, I’ll explain what he needs to do and put him back into the game so that he can build on that and learn. That’s something I lacked a bit the first time. This time, I am putting a strong focus on learning time to help the kids grow.”

The timing of Simon’s hire is giving him a late start as he did not have the opportunity to be involved in a summer program or meet with his players until last week. A product of one of the smallest public schools in Pennsylvania, he is well-aware of the necessity of small schools to share athletic talent for its various teams to be successful.

“It is probable the most important thing that can happen for smaller schools and needs to be a main focus for all head coaches at the school. I believe the kids should play every sport that they can. I grew up playing football and basketball. If a kid has an interest in soccer, football, track & field, baseball, they should play every sport they can because after they leave high school, the opportunities to play those sports greatly diminish. I think it really benefits a kid athletically if they can play different sports. Each sport allows you to work different muscles and experience different types of conditioning. So, it is very important, and I will encourage the kids to play every sport they can play, just hoping they don’t forget about basketball in the off-season.”

As he settles into his new role, Simon has a simple message to convey.

“Just come out and give it a try. That’s all I can ask from the kids and their parents. Sometimes that can be a lot to ask with regard to time constraints for both the player and family as they try and balance athletics and academics. If a player is on the fence or hasn’t played in a couple of years, I ask them to come out and meet the coaching staff and see what our style of basketball is about. Give it a try, and if they find ultimately the game isn’t for them, we’ll shake their hand, thank them for coming out, and wish them all the best. But, don’t sit at home and think you are not good enough. If they give it a full honest try, I think they will find it a good experience to be a part of the team.”