Coaching Staff

Bud Lewis

Head Coach of Men's Soccer/Director Greek Life & Wellness
Dept: Men's Soccer
Mail Location: 1246
ph: 937-382-6661 ext: 341

Other Information:

Bud Lewis begins his 33rd season at the helm of one of the nation’s most successful and respected programs.

With 426 career victories, Lewis is the seventh-winningest coach in NCAA Division III history, and only the 18th coach among all NCAA soccer coaches to reach the 400-victory plateau.

A perennial top-20 team, Lewis’ Quakers have captured 11 conference championships and made 10 national tournament appearances, including a berth in the NAIA Final Four in 1986.

“We strive to win every time we step on the field,” Lewis said. “For the most part, we’ve had the talent to do that. We’ve won some games that we shouldn’t have and we’ve lost more than our share of games that we shouldn’t have.”

Lewis came to Wilmington following an All-American playing career at Bowling Green State University and stints with the Cincinnati Comets of the American Soccer League and the Buffalo Blazers, not far from Penfield High School, which he led to a New York state championship in 1970.

Despite his many successes as a player, Lewis’ early years as a coach provided few bright moments, as the Quakers won just six of 25 games in 1975 and 1976.

“I came right into college coaching, as opposed to mentoring under somebody and really learning the ropes,” Lewis said. “I learned a lot of lessons the difficult way. But I did recognize fairly early on that we could run a very competitive program here. Our facilities, our location, our academic program here have given us a competitive edge that allows us to play with the best in the country in Division III.”

Under Lewis’ guidance, the Quakers have won ... and won ... and won. When Wilmington finished with a 12-6-1 record in 2006, it marked Wilmington’s 30th consecutive winning season.

“I enjoy the challenge of new teams,” Lewis said. “This year’s team is unknown, and putting this team together is very exciting. I believe the chemistry and the mentality of this team is quite good. That’s what keeps me going — the excitement of a new season and knowing that I have a talented coaching staff to work with.”

Lewis’ personal accomplishments comprise a seemingly unending list: eight-time NAIA District 22 Coach of the Year, six-time NSCAA Mideast Coach of the Year, three-time Ohio Coach of the Year, three-time Association of Mideast Colleges Coach of the Year and 2004 Ohio Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. Small-college soccer is Lewis’ passion.

“The players play for the right reasons,” Lewis said. “They are passionate about the game, and their love of the game is very pure. The social, academic and athletic balance that Division III provides is fantastic. It’s the purest form of collegiate athletics.”

Lewis holds a master’s from The Ohio State University and serves as WC’s director of Greek Life and Wellness programs. He resides in Wilmington with his wife Margo and their daughter Emily. Their son, Gabriel, is a seminarian with Legionaries of Christ, and is studying in Rome, Italy. Their son, Andrew, is a student at Ashland University.

Andrew Belleman

Assistant Coach
Dept: Men's Soccer
Location: 251 Ludovic Street, Wilmington, OH 45177
ph: 937-382-6661 ext: 318

Markus Eriksson

Assistant Coach
Dept: Men's Soccer
Location: 251 Ludovic Street, Wilmington, OH 45177
ph: 937-382-6661 ext: 341

Alex Van der Sluijs