The Brian T. Simpson Invitational
Besides the baseball field being renamed in Simpson's honor, Chris Ackman says the school, which gives out a "Bulldog Award" to one athlete from each sport, renamed the baseball award the "Coach Brian T. Simpson Award", in 2019.
The Harrisburg Bulldogs, including Bradey Simpson (back left), race at the start of the high school girls race at the 2022 Brian T. Simpson Invitational. Chris A. photo/MO.MileSplit.com
Another honor came in 2021. The school reached out to Columbia Parks and Recreation with the idea of honoring Brian with a meet. Harrisburg hosted the Brian T. Simpson Invitational cross country meet at Gans Creek in Columbia. Harrisburg honored their former coach by holding a meet in his name, and they did it at a world-class course.
Christian Fellowship School's Hayden Jokerst leads Russellville's Langsten Ratcliff around a turn at the Brian T. Simpson Invitational at Gans Creek. Chris A./MO.MileSplit.com
It was a chance for Harrisburg middle and high school ladies to race in honor of the program's founding coach. It also provided an opportunity for family, friends, and loved ones to show up, honor Brian, reminisce, and cheer on the Bulldogs and other athletes. This year, Simpson's wife Jennie was on hand, as was their daughter, Bradey, who ran in the meet the first time, as a Harrisburg freshman.
Smithton senior Riley Bryan runs thru one of the kilometer markers at the beautiful setting at Gans Creek Cross Country Course. Chris A./MO.MileSplit.com
South Shelby sophomore Noah Wilt and Smithton senior Riley Bryan claimed the individual high school titles. In the team battles, North Platte swept the high school team titles. Christian Fellowship School and Monroe City captured the middle school boys and girls crowns. After the races, an awards ceremony was held at the Greg Hall Champions Plaza.
Coach Corey Whitaker opened the awards ceremony by talking about Simpson, including his relational and job titles, and responsibilities. Whitaker said about Brian, "He was a great friend to many in the community." ..." he was a teacher and great professional. (He) Loved to teach. Good teachers have the cool factor, they are likable, and they are passionate about what they love to teach."
Whitaker added, "...we're just thankful to come out and run a race that we think he would be very proud of today; in a way, he would be very proud of." Whitaker continued, "His family is here today, and we are honored to have them...we wanted to say that, and that's why we have this meet today. (We're) very thankful for him and for them."
Whitaker then proceeded to announce individual medalists and team trophy winners. Medals were handed out to athletes, who walked onto and across the awards platform, in front of a banner that read "Brian T. Simpson Invitational" and "Finish", with Harrisburg Bulldog logos. It was a replica of the banner posted at the finish line, giving guidance and relief to runners, just like Brian did with so many young students and athletes.
Middle School girl medalists stand on the awards plaza at the Brian T. Simpson Invitational. Chris A./MO.MileSplit.com
After the meet, Whitaker said "(This) meet is really special because I think it's a way to bring a little something good out of something terrible. A lot of the Simpson family was here today, and I think it's a healing time for them too, and I think he'd be very pleased with this meet because it represents so much about what he did with small school cross country. So, we're thankful to have it. The course is obviously excellent, and the weather cooperated too."