Lewis steps down as Mt. Lebanon wrestling coach
After being involved with the wrestling program at Mt. Lebanon High School for more than two decades, Bill Lewis is stepping down as head coach for health reasons. Over 17 years at the helm, three of them at Warwick Hi.S. in Newport News, Va., Lewis compiled a 165-153 record.
However, during the past 18 months, he was diagnosed with orthostatic tremors, a disorder that affects the nervous system. While standing, Lewis experiences a rapid tremor in his legs that “curiously” is alleviated by sitting or walking. “In some aspects of my life I have been successful in masking or managing the condition, but it does take its tool on the body,” said Lewis in a letter he addressed to friends, families and supporters of Blue Devil wrestling last week when he announced his resignation.
Throughout the summer, Lewis said that he struggled with his decision. During a meeting with his wrestlers on Aug. 15, he made clear his intentions. But, he did so with a heavy heart.
“I love Mt. Lebanon wrestling and what we have built over the years, but I find myself at a crossroads where I feel that continuing would be difficult at this time,” Lewis said. “Although the past two seasons have been rewarding on a number of fronts, it has taken the focus off of my health and made life challenging in other respects.”
Hired in 2001 as just the fifth head coach of the program, Lewis produced playoff contenders in the WPIAL team tournament as well as Lebo’s first PIAA champion since 1987 when Kellan Stout won the title in March. Stout was also Lebo’s first WPIAL champion since Kurt Angle garnered the distinction. Lewis, who also coached in the Dapper Dan Wrestling Classic, helped send six Lebo wrestlers to the district and Southwest Regional Tournaments.
During his tenure, Lebo notched its 621st team victory and qualified 75 individuals for post-season action. Under Lewis, Lebo produced 10 section champions and five state qualifiers, including three medalists.
“It has been an extremely rewarding journey,” said Lewis of his coaching career. “I have been blessed with great support from an outstanding athletic office, administration, wonderful parents and I have had the pleasure of watching young men grow and mature into adults.”
As he works with doctors to find ways to balance and enhance his quality of life, Lewis hopes a course of treatment can allow him to some day return to the sport he loves. Lewis began his career at Peters Township were he was a district champion and a state runner-up. He wrestled at the University of Pittsburgh where he earned a bachelor of arts degree in sociology. He earned a master’s degree in secondary education and teaching. He teaches social studies at Mt. Lebanon High School.
“I love wrestling,” Lewis said. “Hopefully, I can contribute in some fashion down the road. I have always given 110 percent to the program and feel it would be a disservice to give any less than it deserves. Again, this was not an easy decision but I feel this is the right thing to do moving forward.”