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Make support known for former Potsdam track & field coach

Posted 5/12/15

To the Editor: I have been a supporter in the drive to have the Track & Field Complex at Potsdam Central High School named in honor of Coach Bill Lewis. Prior to his arrival, Potsdam track & …

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Make support known for former Potsdam track & field coach

Posted

To the Editor:

I have been a supporter in the drive to have the Track & Field Complex at Potsdam Central High School named in honor of Coach Bill Lewis.

Prior to his arrival, Potsdam track & field teams were average at best but during his tenure as head coach from 1963-1974, coach Lewis had the expertise to motivate and inspire his teams to perform well beyond what his athletes initially thought possible. During that 12-year period his teams compiled a dual meet record of 107 wins with only 3 losses. He also led his teams to 9 consecutive victories at the Van Dusen championships in Ogdensburg. Sometime back I saw an article in a paper which reported that this streak was considered to be the second best in the history of High School Track & Field in New York State. Even though a change in academic scheduling necessitated he relinquish head coaching duties, coach Lewis continued to assist in both track and cross country and as late as 2013 he was assisting his alma mater at St. Lawrence University.

Coach Lewis is indisputably a legend when it comes to Potsdam athletics but to those of us that he coached, he is an even greater legend as an educator and mentor. The track was his classroom and the lessons he taught prepared us for the life ahead that we faced. These lessons enhanced our lives beyond what we learned in the traditional classroom.

I am a 1965 Graduate of PCHS, a 4-year member of the track teams and except for my military years, a lifelong resident of the Potsdam area. Coach Lewis’ lessons of self-worth, perseverance, being all that I was capable of and being there for my teammates were all lessons that I have drawn upon throughout my life. He also taught that someone would be there for us in our times of need and that we needed to be that person for someone else. The lessons learned were never more evident or important than during my tours in Vietnam when teamwork was critical for survival. Coach Bill Lewis has been without a doubt, one of the greatest mentors in my life and that is a fact echoed by many others from those teams of 40 and 50 years ago.

Not only is Bill Lewis still legendary a half century later as a coach and educator, his accomplishments reflect in a most positive way the reputation of the entire school system. Potsdam Central High School was most fortunate to have had such a positive ambassador to represent all that is best in both academics and athletics. He is however, much more than just a sports coach. His devotion to church and a desire to serve and give back to others is evidenced through involvement with various civic organizations and the community at large as well as volunteer work with groups such as the Cancer Society.

With all that this man has done for the Potsdam Central School District, one would on the surface think that naming the track in his honor would be pretty much a slam dunk but as incredulous as it may seem, the current atmosphere is that it is more than likely that it will not be approved. The most significant factor in the way is that the Board of Education now has a policy in place of no further naming of any school facilities. To date, there has been little inclination to reverse or amend that policy. I believe that although policies are necessary for all organizations, there are times when amendments are warranted. I believe that it is a very flawed system that puts a “black and white” policy ahead of a man who has done so much for this district and who is so deserving of this honor. I also believe that the level of support that has been voiced so far is lacking. It must be difficult for the Board or anyone else to wrap their arms around something that goes back a half century.

Even the younger members of his last team are now in their mid 50’s and scattered all over the country so it is increasingly difficult to connect with and rely on coach Lewis’ most ardent supporters alone to provide the needed support level. I am therefore asking that if any members of the community at large are willing to make your support known to the Potsdam Board of Education, it would be very much appreciated.

Michael F. Perry

Potsdam Central graduate