To the Editor:

I wish to offer my sincere thanks to everyone involved in the dedication of Potsdam Central School’s track in my honor.

I was most appreciative of what was said about my silent ministry as a coach and its impact on “my boys.”

Using student coaches, we focused on each person becoming all he was capable of becoming and on helping each other do the same. It made me proud to hear how they have used their lives for the benefit of others in their communities and their chosen professions.

While coaching, I had the privilege of working with a wonderful group of young men. Over the last year, “my boys” have put forth tremendous efforts to bring about this dedication and have worked tirelessly to achieve their goal.

Many, many deserve thanks for their part in bringing about this event, but I would especially like to acknowledge the leadership of Larry Casey, Bill Mitchell, Mike Perry, Bill Hayman, Peter Straub, Jeff Gardiner, Steve Barlow, Dave Dwyer, Phil Demerest, Jim Murray, Stan Maine, Scott Conroe and Dan Forbush.

Thanks also to the kind works from the speakers who included Jeff Gardiner, J. Patrick Turbett, Joann Chambers, Bill Martin, Scott Conroe, Dick Donovan, Bill Straub, Duncan Cutter, Tim Opdyke, Gene Kaczka, Rev. Brooke Newell, Chris Remick and Walt Theobald.

Special thanks for Superintendents Patrick Brady and Joanna Chambers, members of the Potsdam Central School Board of Education, Danielle Gray and the policy committee, athletic director Mark Wilson, Carl Normandin, executive director of Section X Athletics, the staff and students of PCS who helped, Coach Vaccaro and the track teams of PCS and OFA who attended.

Thanks also go to Jim Sheehan, Buddy Fiacco, Potsdam Village DPW, Potsdam Hall of Fame Committee, Cheryl Ellis, Steve Hayes, Bruce Kent, Gary Hughes, Marcia Reutershan and Steve Warr for their support.

Finally, I wish to thank everyone who attended and all who gave their support to that grand and glorious day.

William J. L. Lewis

Potsdam