By MATT LINDSEY

POTSDAM -- A dedication of the track and plaque unveiling for former Potsdam Central boy’s track coach William “Bill” Lewis will be held this afternoon.

A plaque will be revealed for the first time at 3 p.m. at the track near the high school on Leroy Street, with a reception to follow in the A.A. Kingston Middle School cafeteria at 3:30 p.m.

A few remarks will be made at the field dedication. Speakers at the reception will include Potsdam Central Superintendent Joann Chambers, board president Patrick Turbett and former athletes that he coached from 1963 to 1974.

Refreshments will be served at the reception.

“I am thrilled to see the district honor such an exemplary person,” Chambers said.

Lewis, a Potsdam resident, compiled a legendary 107-3 record and nine consecutive Section X titles coaching Sandstoner boys' track teams. He retired from the district as a middle school guidance counselor in 1994.

The track at the school will be named in is honor.

The plaque will be placed near Con Elliot’s stone. The design will be similar to Elliot’s and will bear a likeness to Lewis. The phrase “Let each become all he is capable of being” will be inscribed in the plaque. It is a phrase members of his teams say that he used at every practice.

The cost of the plaque was funded by a group of former athletes Lewis coached.

“I didn’t know Mr. Lewis before the campaign, but I’ve since gotten to know him and he is what everyone says…a great role model for our athletes,” Superintendent Chambers said.