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Bud Lewis: More Lives Impacted Than Wins

Retiring WC men’s soccer coach to be honored Saturday night By Mark Huber - mhuber@aimmediamidwest.com When Bud Lewis’ 43-year coaching career ends, there will be a finite number of wins that always will be associated with his name. But more than any of the 500-plus victories he’s had in his Wilmington College coaching career, the lives Lewis impacted will continue to grow well beyond his lifetime. Such is the legacy Lewis will leave on his program, the college, the Clinton County community, the soccer world. “I have no regrets that I’ve stayed at a small college, an intimate atmosphere that I’ve been able to do so many things with so many different students, it’s been incredibly rich,” said Lewis, a native of New York. Lewis is retiring as head men’s soccer coach as well as the Director of Wellness and Greek Life at Wilmington College. He will be honored prior to Saturday’s regular-season home finale as the Fightin’ Quakers host Mount Union. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Senior recognition will begin at 6:30 p.m. Saturday with Lewis’ portion of the program to follow. Lewis is a graduate of Penfield (N.Y.) High School. As a collegiate player, he led Bowling Green State University’s men’s soccer team to a pair of appearances in the NCAA tournament. As a junior, Lewis was named to the NSCAA All-America team. He was inducted into the Bowling Green Hall of Fame in 2000. Lewis was enshrined in the Clinton County Sports Hall of Fame in 2001. He played one season with the professional Cincinnati Comets then another with the Buffalo Blazers of the Canadian Soccer League. He began his coaching career at Wilmington College in 1975. He has worked in admissions at the college as well as with Student Life and Student Affairs organizations. With 505 wins under his belt, Lewis ranks fourth among active men’s soccer coaches at all NCAA levels and third among active NCAA Division III coaches. The 505 wins are 13th all-time at all NCAA levels and are eighth all-time among all Division III coaches. With the announcement of his retirement, Lewis has been on a farewell tour, if you will, as teams in the Ohio Athletic Conference take time to honor the legendary coach for his career accomplishments. He noted Ohio Northern’s gesture of a golf-related gift package as something he’ll cherish well beyond his time on the links. “It wasn’t big but it was really classy what Ohio Northern did,” said Lewis. “I was very moved by that, very thoughtful.” Against Marietta, Wilmington won 3-2 in overtime. After the game, with a gut-wrenching loss on their minds, the Pioneer players took time to acknowledge Lewis. ”For Marietta, it was a heartbreaking loss and their players came up after the game, shook hands and looked me in the eye and said, ‘Congratulations, coach, on your career’,” Lewis recalled. There have been other memories along the way as well. Eric Diehl who played and coached with Lewis at WC, went to the ONU match from his residence in Michigan because he knew he would be unable to attend Saturday’s home finale. “He came down … (after the game) I had a moment with him,” Lewis said. “It was important for him but me as well. We hugged, we shed a few tears. I was so glad I was able to share with him.” As for Saturday night, Lewis knows it will be filled with emotion as former students and players return to campus. “I try not to think about it too much … you can see my eyes tear up already,” he said, then paused for a few seconds before capturing his words. “It’s going to be a special evening, no matter what happens. Probably no words … this is probably the longest I’ve had to think about it … probably no words to really explain the gratitude to have had this career. “When you’re in coaching, it’s such a two-way street. Players will say you (the coach) did this or you did that. Things happen, things have been said or shared, that really make a difference in people’s lives. They’ve (the players) made a difference in my life, my family’s lives.” Lewis again took a moment to regain his composure. “In many respects, I’ve been rewarded far beyond any comprehension …. more than anybody could ever expect,” he said. Reach Mark Huber at 937-556-5765, via email mhuber@aimmediamidwest.com or on Twitter @wnjsports. Original article can be found here.