Walter has been an integral part of the Hampden-Sydney campus for nearly 30 years. He is a fixture with several different departments on campus, most notably athletics. In the summer months, Walter can be found in Gammon Gymnasium, where he has worked for the past several years re-painting the walls and fixtures. Once the athletics seasons begin, he works during the week with Earl Ross, the head groundskeeper for the athletic fields, as he assists in lining the fields and preparing Hundley Stadium for football games. He also washes uniforms and prepares the football locker room for the players throughout the game week. During the game, he stands on the sidelines as one of the team's biggest fans, and assists Hampden-Sydney Director of Sports Medicine Grady Hardeman.
Simms moved to Hampden-Sydney with his father, Dr. Gilman Simms '30, in 1973 and spent many early years helping his father, who was the first Athletic Trainer for the College. Walter became entrenched in Hampden-Sydney athletics. Touched by all who surrounded the athletics programs, he especially developed a warm friendship with legendary Tiger football coach Stokeley Fulton. Throughout the years, Walter has been embraced by every Hampden-Sydney football coach and has become a fixture on football and basketball sidelines.
Walter has found time outside of athletics to become an integral part of the Hampden-Sydney community. From his work through the department of buildings and grounds and in and around Gammon Gymnasium, to his helping hand in the post office, to his daily fellowship with faculty, staff, and students alike, Walter is as important to Hampden-Sydney as the College is to Walter. His undeniable love and knowledge of music from the 1950's, along with his candor and sense of humor, have made Walter one of the most unique and beloved members of the Hampden-Sydney community.
In 2002, an independent film company, Revolution Earth, developed the Walter Simms Film Project. As the documentary traces the life and times of the Tigers' No. 1 fan, now approaching his 56th birthday, Simms and the 2002 Tiger football team are the film's featured stars.
