Oswego East Student-Athlete of the Week-Andy Lewis

Success in baseball is as much about learning to deal with failure, and sometimes more so, than it is about hitting, catching, or throwing. Failing 6 out of 10 times equates to being an excellent high school hitter, so learning how to manage your thoughts, behaviors, and confidence during those times of failure is paramount to overall success. Senior Andy Lewis' positive attitude has not only made him successful in the diamond the past two seasons for the Wolves, but it has also allowed others around him to thrive and believe in themselves, which is why he is this week's Oswego East student-athlete of the week.

Andy played many sports as a child but eventually settled into travel baseball in 6th grade. "Once I started playing travel, it kind of became a year-round sport for me," says Andy. Andy was able to play golf in his downtime and competed for the Wolves team as well all four years.

Sports helped Andy not only develop his extrovert personality and self-confidence but also helped him mature into the person he is today. "I've loved watching Andy compete in baseball and golf since he was 6 years old and what he's accomplished in sports, but I'm more proud of the person he has become," says Dan Lewis, Andy's father. Andy's mom, Heather, believes sports have helped develop Andy's life skills, saying, "He has learned focus and how to prioritize and work through early mornings and late nights, how to be a good teammate and stay balanced through the highs and lows of competing."

As one of the returning experienced juniors from last year's Super-Sectional team, Andy was relied on early in the season for his leadership and experience. "Andy is a passionate and driven baseball player," says Head Coach Brian Schaeffer. He adds, "Andy leads through example and his passion to succeed in baseball. He is not a vocal leader, but through his experience and growth as a player, he shows leadership, especially to the underclassmen."

Andy's consistently positive attitude, regardless of his personal or the team's failures or successes, was molded in part due to last year's success, as well as an opportunity to play with his older brother and former catcher, Eric Lewis (Class of '23). "Last year was the first time they were ever on the same team, despite being only a year apart in age, and it was incredibly special to see them have success together and be excited after games," says Heather. Dan attributes that success to the bond they share, saying, "Eric and Andy have always had a friendly brotherly rivalry, but I believe they genuinely like each other and want the other to succeed."

Having graduated 18 seniors from last year's team, the Wolves have relied on Andy and the other 9 returning seniors to help lead a younger Wolves team, one that includes 4 sophomores and one freshman seeing time on the varsity this season. "We have had some ups and downs this season, but in the games we have put it all together, we have looked amazing," says Andy.

Baseball tends to be a streaky sport, especially at the high school level. The Wolves earned the 9th seed in a tough Plainfield North Sectional, but if all the pieces come together, there is no reason to believe this season's team cannot go on a similar run to last year's. "Andy is one of the most experienced players on our team when it comes to playoff baseball," says assistant coach Anthony DiNardo. He adds, "We relied on him heavily last season when we went on our run. Our young team will look up to him to take the lead in pressure situations, and that experience will allow him to rise to the occasion."

With graduation set for tomorrow, Andy has chosen to attend the University of Kansas next fall and major in Business Analytics. "I've always been good with numbers and math, and I think this allows me to tie in my interest in Business," says Andy. Stacy Sajder Adams, who taught Andy in Fundamentals of Business, believes his personality and skill set will lend itself greatly to the field, saying, "Andy is such an engaging student. He truly livens up the class and is very business savvy. He works extremely hard to get the grades he wants. He has an extroverted personality that would make him a great businessman. He works extremely well with his peers and teachers."

The Wolves will rely on Andy and the other seniors for the playoffs, who understand what it takes to be successful, remain level-headed in tense situations, and play with passion. With graduation set for tomorrow, Andy lends his wisdom to future Wolves by saying, "If you are thinking about joining anything, whether that is a sport or a club, just do it." We wish Andy and all of our graduating seniors congratulations on their graduation day tomorrow and the best of luck in the future.