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Message: [QUOTE="OrangeXtreme, post: 1740365, member: 41"] Syracuse — Syracuse University is planning on building a statue that honors legendary father and son lacrosse coaching duo Roy Simmons and Roy Simmons Jr. Former Orange goalie Matt Palumb, now assistant athletic director for development at SU, said he got approval from the school for the project and has begun soliciting former players for contributions. Palumb said he expects almost the full $200,000 cost of the statue to be covered by donations. He said he'd like to get the work done and the statue unveiled within a year to 18 months. Simmons Jr., 80, gave his OK to the statue, Palumb said. Palumb said it is Simmons Jr.'s preference to have one work of art that commemorates both men. "I want to do it while he can enjoy it. I expect this to be a fairly easy fund-raising project,'' Palumb said Monday. "I think it's a fun project to do, especially with him willing and able to do it.'' Palumb said the statue will be in the general vicinity of the Ensley Athletic Center. That's where the school's first four athletic statues — of former football coach Ben Schwartzwalder and No. 44 legends Jim Brown, Floyd Little and Ernie Davis — are displayed. Palumb said the idea for the Simmons honor came from Cliff Ensley, the main donor behind the athletic center and a former SU lacrosse player. Palumb said the Simmons work will be done by sculptor Brian Hanlon, who produced the four football statues. Palumb will meet with Hanlon next week to start reviewing early renderings of the statue. Simmons compiled a 253-130-1 mark coaching Syracuse from 1931-1970. Simmons Jr. was the head coach of the Orange from 1971 to 1998. His teams won six NCAA lacrosse championships and appeared in the national semifinals 16 consecutive seasons. Simmons retired with a 290-96 record, and had a streak of reaching the semifinals of the NCAA Tournament in 16 consecutive seasons. Fans wishing to contribute to the statue fund can reach Palumb at [email]mhpalumb[/email]. [/QUOTE]

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