Bowling Green State University and Wilmington College recognized Bud Lewis for the “profound impact” he’s made on both schools’ soccer programs during a ceremony on Wednesday (Oct. 28) in Bowling Green at the matchup between the Falcons and Quakers. Lewis was an All-American player for the Falcons in the mid-1970s and has played a leadership role in supporting the program, and he was Wilmington College’s legendary head coach for 43 years and continues to possess a keen interest in the team’s success.
Lewis, accompanied by his wife, Margo, was introduced at a pregame ceremony as they walked at centerfield between lines of BG and WC players. He wore a dual-branded jersey presented by both coaches, featuring his BG number 26, split evenly between WC’s green and BG’s orange colors.
Lewis said he was “incredibly humbled” to be honored by both his alma mater and the team to whom he devoted his professional life. “It was incredibly thoughtful by Bowling Green and Wilmington College to acknowledge my involvement and contributions to both programs,” he said, noting he had a feeling of coming “full circle” with returning to where his involvement with collegiate soccer began. He also was pleased with the quality of play both teams exhibited in the competitive match. “It was a very special night.”
WC had an opening on its Ohio Athletic Conference slate and, through Lewis’ close relationship with both programs, WC was able to schedule the Falcons, an NCAA Division I team currently leading the Missouri Valley Conference. The Quakers rose to the occasion with one of their best efforts this season, despite losing 2-1 in a tightly fought match.
Lewis was a four-year letterwinner at BGSU and helped the Falcons secure their first two NCAA Tournament berths in program history before, in 1974, earning All-American honors. Joining the professional ranks after his graduation, played a season with the Cincinnati Comets of the American Soccer League before joining the Buffalo Blazers of the Canadian Soccer League. He coached the Quakers from 1975 through 2017, with a record of 506-279-58 for an impressive .635 winning percentage. His teams captured 11 conference championships and made 10 national tournament appearances, including advancing to the NAIA Final Four in 1986. He is ranked 17th all-time for career wins, regardless of NCAA division. Both schools inducted Lewis into their Athletic Halls of Fame, BGSU in 2000 and WC in 2021.
PICTURED: Bud and Margo Lewis enter the pitch between lines of Bowling Green and Wilmington players as he's introduced and honored by both teams. Bud is carrying a ball signed by the teams' players and coaches.
Falson Head Coach Eric Nichols called Lewis both a friend and mentor. “His wisdom, encouragement and generosity have had a lasting impact on my life and career,” he said. “Bud’s legacy goes far beyond wins and losses. It lives in the people he has influenced and the lives he has touched. I’m incredibly grateful for his friendship, and proud to honor someone who has given so much to Bowling Green State University, Wilmington College and to the game of soccer.”
Quaker Head Coach Cory Bucur also noted how “very special it was to honor and celebrate” Lewis at a match between the two soccer programs that have meant so much to the legendary coach. "I try to not take it for granted, but our program is extremely fortunate to have not only the legacy that Bud created, but also Bud still be present at games and practice sessions,” he said. “It is never in a bragging manner, but him being around puts things into perspective for our guys — that what they do on a day-to-day basis is bigger than their individual selves.”
TOP PHOTO: Bud and Margo Lewis are flanked at midfield by BGSU Head Coach Eric Nichols (LEFT) and WC Head Coach Cory Bucur.