UWEC Athletics Hall of Fame
George L. Simpson is still remembered at UWEC in the name of the athletic field behind the McPhee Physical Education Center. Simpson joined the UWEC faculty when the school was founded in 1916. He served as professor of geography for 34 years, taking time out to serve his country in the two great wars. Simpson had the distinction of coaching the first athletic squad at UWEC, the 1916-17 basketball team. That was the only year he coached basketball but he returned from World War I to coach the football team from 1920 to 1924, compiling the best won-lost percentage in the school's history. His first team in 1920 went undefeated in four games and outscored its opposition, 77-7. Two years later, the Blugolds were 5-0-1 for the season and shared the conference championship. They outscored their opponents, 126-3, that season. Simpson never had a losing season as the football coach, posting a 10-6-2 career record. Prior to his arrival at the university, Simpson played semi-pro ball for what later became the Green Bay Packers. He served as a Big Ten official for many years. Simpson was well-liked and had a lasting influence on the players and students with whom he came in contact.
