Bud Lewis to Be Recognized for 30 Years of Coaching at WC

Saturday (Aug. 28) is "Bud Lewis Day" at Wilmington College as the long-time men's soccer coach will be honored on the eve of his 30th season.

A number of his former players are expected to return to campus Saturday to play the 2004 Quaker squad in the annual Alumni Game at 5 p.m. at Charlie Gilhart Field. The event is free and open to the public.

"Thirty years! It's amazing - it's flown by," said Lewis. "You're always so focused on the next game or the next season that time gets away from you."

As he looks back on the past three decades, his teams' success is not what comes to the forefront, but the faces of hundreds of persons that are part of generations of what he calls "the Wilmington College soccer family."

"I have so many great memories. It's not how many games you won or lost, but the friendships and relationships with players and parents and families that come to mind," he said. "That's something I really cherish."

Lewis came to Wilmington College in 1975 after a collegiate career at Bowling Green State University as an All American and a stint in professional soccer with the Cincinnati Comets and Buffalo Blazers. After losing seasons in 1975 and 1976, his WC teams have reeled off 27 consecutive winning campaigns.

He has been named coach of the year 16 times.

Lewis' Wilmington teams have made nine national postseason appearances, the most recent of which were in 1996, 1999, 2000 and 2001 when the Quakers gained berths in the NCAA Division III National Tournament. His 1986 team reached the Final Four of the NAIA National Tournament.

His career mark of 384-156-37 puts him as having the sixth most wins among active NCAA Division III coaches. He is poised to break the 400-win threshhold either this season or next, something accomplished by only 17 coaches in all levels of NCAA competition.

Lewis is a member of the BGSU Athletic Hall of Fame and was a 2001 inductee into the Clinton County Athletic Hall of Fame.

Lewis, who holds a master's degree from Ohio State University, also serves as director of Greek Life and Campus Wellness programs at the College. He and his wife, Margo, reside in Wilmington and are the parents of three children: Gabe, Andrew and Emily.

SATURDAY SCHEDULE

Tailgate lunch with games and prizes, 2 p.m., area between Kettering Hall and the Alumni House (please bring a covered dish).

Alumni Game, 5 p.m., Charlie Gilhart Field.

Alumni Dinner and Reception, 7:30 p.m., at Bud's house.