(Born June 7, 1979) A California native and all-everything high school football (and baseball) player, Ken Simonton went on to build a new home in the Oregon State Football record books.

Most notably known for his winning touchdown in the 1998 double-overtime Civil War as a red-shirt freshman, Simonton helped the Beavers rise in what is now considered a turning point for the school’s football program.

His record-setting stats speak for themselves. He rushed for more than 5,000 career yards (second most in Pac-12 history), racked up 59 career touchdowns (four of which contribute to Reser Stadium’s record for most rushing touchdowns in a game), and established a new record by rushing for 100 yards in five consecutive games. After leading the Beavers to a 2001 Fiesta Bowl title over Notre Dame, Simonton was greeted with All-American status and a spot on the Heisman ballot.

His collegiate success led him to a professional career with the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers & Buffalo Bills, the CFL’s Calgary Stampeders, and the Scottish Claymores of the NFL Europe, where he became Offensive Player of the Year in 2003.

Today, Ken lives with his wife, Kollete, and their two children in California, where he is coaching the running backs at his high school alma mater and helping them reach their own dreams of success.