Ruth LaCombe, left, and Jo Ann Roberts of the Potsdam Central Mega Reunion, on right, present a $500 donation to former track athlete Al Benson at the high school track recently.

POTDDAM – The Potsdam Central Mega Reunion recently donated $500 to help purchase a plaque for legendary track coach William “Bill” Lewis.

The Potsdam Board of Education approved a proposal in December for a plaque to be mounted on stone near the entrance to the outdoor track as a tribute to former coach Bill Lewis.

The plaque will be placed near Con Elliot’s stone this spring. The design will be similar to Elliot’s and will bear a likeness to Lewis.

The running track at Potsdam Central will be named in his honor.

Several supporters of Lewis went to board meetings last spring to ask the district about naming the track in his honor.

The school had to reconsider a policy of the naming of facilities. The original policy stated that “The Board will consider a Board resolution or proclamation, a memento awarded to the individual, a plaque affixed to a wall in a hallway of a school building designated as a ‘Hall of Fame,’ a plaque affixed to a district facility. No other forms of recognition will be considered,” such as the proposal to name the track for Coach Lewis.

Lewis coached from 1963 until 1974 and comprised a legendary record of 107 wins with just three losses. His teams won nine Section X titles under his guidance.

A reception and dedication is planned for the home meet in early May.

Fundraising continues for the dedication of the track. Checks or money orders can be made out to David Dwyer and mailed to 6393 Lost Tree Lane, Spring Hill, FL 34606.