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Potsdam track coach treated everyone with equal respect

Posted 5/19/15

To the Editor: It is my privilege to write a few words in support of the initiative to name the Potsdam Central School track after Bill Lewis. Bill’s performance as teacher, counselor and coach was …

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Potsdam track coach treated everyone with equal respect

Posted

To the Editor:

It is my privilege to write a few words in support of the initiative to name the Potsdam Central School track after Bill Lewis.

Bill’s performance as teacher, counselor and coach was exemplary. A man of integrity, he did not just try to fit the young person into a mold, but took the time to understand his or her strengths & weaknesses, interests & desires, hopes & fears and, gaining their confidence, helped them to maximize their potential. As he put it, to become all that each was capable of becoming.

The focus was on becoming, and success came from belief in self and belief in others. Teammates learned responsibility for and to others and individual efforts were for the benefit of the group. Each person learning how to pour forth his talents, reaching out to his limits and being concerned not only for his own results but encouraging and inspiring and helping each other in their concerns. And thus they prepared for life in their future communities after graduation.

Without arrogance and with ego in check, Bill believed in turning weaknesses into strengths in his own life and passed that belief on by instruction and example. His powerhouse teams became a dynasty with season after season of undefeated dual meets and years of Section 10 annual championships. But what was of greater importance was the lessons learned in that cauldron of training, preparation and competition that produced winning teams, also created educators and leaders for life after high school. And you did not have to be a star performer or prolific contributor to benefit from being on a Bill Lewis team where each was a valued member and everyone was treated with equal respect. His management style encompassed everyone.

The same principles were applied to his work as a guidance counselor, where he gave wise counsel and advice to students, athletes or otherwise, and in the service to his church and his community.

Bill is viewed as a humble and empathetic mentor and leader who was able to bring out the best in people on a continual basis. His former team members often cite examples from their journeys to success that were impacted by experiences as members of Bill Lewis teams.

Many believe that he deserves the honor that is proposed. Thank you for your consideration.

Stephen C. Clarridge

Potsdam Central graduate