A lifelong native of Vestal, N.Y., Simek is in his 24th year with the athletics department in 2022-23. Hired in January of 1999 during the University’s transition from NCAA Division II to Division I, he initially oversaw basketball game management, season tickets along with advertising and promotions.
During his early tenure Simek initiated the Junior Bearcat Club and also oversaw summer camps and clinics. Over the years he has provided leadership in the areas of Game Management, Sports Medicine, Strength and Conditioning, Facilities and Scheduling, Game Contracts and External Events.
Simek has served on numerous department committees including the Hall of Fame, Annual Awards Program and Homecoming. In 2005 and 2006 Simek was instrumental in securing the America East basketball tournaments hosted in the Events Center.
Currently Simek is the Sport Administrator for baseball, softball, track and field, cross country, men’s tennis and men’s lacrosse. He also oversees the Issue and Equipment Room along with the department’s Nike apparel and equipment contract with BSN Sports. Since 2010, Simek has served as Binghamton’s representative on the America East’s Committee on Championships and Competition (CCC). Previously, he served as the CCC liaison for the sports of baseball, softball and volleyball and was the CCC committee Chair in 2016 and 2017.
On campus, Simek has collaborated with many groups and organizations throughout his career, serving on the campus Homecoming Committee and his personal favorite, the Spirit Committee. With the goal of spreading school spirit and pride, he founded the now celebrated tradition of Green Day Friday, encouraging students, faculty and staff to wear green (or something Binghamton) every Friday. It is not uncommon to see him alongside Baxter the Bearcat in the green gator policing campus on any given Friday making sure people are wearing green!
Fittingly, Simek also provides leadership and oversight of the school’s four spirit squads; the Cheer Team and Dance Team, both sponsored by Athletics and the Kickline (Club Sport) and Pep Band (SA Chartered). Annually Simek hosts a semi-formal recognition dinner for the 100 plus members of the spirit squads, paying special tribute to the graduating seniors with framed photos.
Simek credits his “foot in the door” to Binghamton Athletics by way of his Public Address announcing skill set, having served as the PA announcer for the then Colonials men’s and women’s basketball teams prior to joining the department full time. He continues to serve as the voice of the Bearcats as the public address announcer for men’s and women’s basketball and baseball.
Prior to joining the Athletic Department, Simek enjoyed a very successful 15-year career with General Electric/Lockheed Martin in Westover. His first five years were in purchasing and finance administration, followed by ten years in Contract Administration. Upon his departure from Lockheed Martin, he held the position of Senior Contract Administrator with a government Top Secret clearance working on military contracts for flight controls for the V-22 Helicopter and B-2 Bomber among many other programs.
Simek received his bachelor’s degree in management in 1983 from Alfred University, where he played varsity football. He earned his MBA from Binghamton University in 1989.
He and his wife Sally (Van Gorder) Simek reside in Vestal, N.Y. and have four children and 10 grandchildren.
