The swimming pool was located on the ground floor of what was then known as the University Center, now the LBC. The funds for the pool were raised in part by friends of Simons, a popular coach at Tulane, using a campaign slogan of the “last lap for Monk.”
As a senior in 1934, Simons led the Green Wave to an impressive nine wins in ten games, earning Tulane an invitation to host the inaugural Sugar Bowl game. Simons was celebrated as Tulane's top back that season, earning All-Southeastern Conference and All-America honors. Unbeknownst to him, the Sugar Bowl would continue to play a significant role in his life, as he later served as its president.