Longtime football coach Bill Shimek has been posthumously selected as a 2025 inductee into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. Before his passing in December 2024, Shimek expressed satisfaction at the news of his induction, with his son stating that he felt he should have been inducted earlier. Shimek was a multi-sport athlete in high school and excelled at Arkansas State Teachers College, becoming an NAIA All-American in football, basketball, baseball, and track and field.
After a brief coaching stint at Little Rock Catholic, Shimek worked as a coach at Forrest City High School and later as a running backs coach at the University of Oklahoma. He also coached at Oklahoma State, where he mentored legendary players such as Barry Sanders, Marcus Dupree, Thurman Thomas, and Billy Sims. Shimek was known for his dedication to recruiting and building strong relationships in the college football world.
Following his coaching career, Shimek retired in Arkansas and enjoyed spending time on the golf course. Despite earning most of his notoriety in Oklahoma, he always considered Arkansas home. Former colleagues and players, including Houston Nutt, praised Shimek’s tireless work ethic, commitment to the job, and ability to build relationships with those he recruited.
The recognition from the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame meant a lot to Shimek, as he was proud to be honored in his home state. His legacy as a coach and recruiter continues to inspire those who knew him.
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