Blaise Lewis always had a singular aspiration – to participate in basketball for his father’s team, the Kewanee Boilermakers.
Coach Shaune Lewis, an alumnus of Kewanee and a pivotal figure in the Boilermakers’ success story, led the team to two regional victories and two conference championships between 2015 and 2020, boasting an impressive 90-63 record during his tenure.
Tragedy struck on July 2, 2020, when Shaune Lewis, pursuing his passion for stock car racing, suffered a fatal medical emergency while behind the wheel at the age of 47.
The untimely loss left Blaise, who had just completed eighth grade, shattered, alongside his family and the close-knit Kewanee and Boilermaker communities.
“I always really wanted to play for him in high school. I played for him in AAU ball. He coached me in everything. High school was a really big dream of mine and I never got the chance,” Lewis expressed.
Despite the heavy emotional burden, Blaise Lewis continues to honor his father’s legacy by donning the cherished Boilermakers’ jersey. Each step he takes on the court is a poignant reminder of his father’s presence, symbolized by the inscription “RIP Dad” on one side of his shoe and “AWGAWN” on the other, a tribute to his father’s favorite motto, “All We Got, All We Need.”
While the journey has been arduous, Blaise finds solace in the belief that his father’s spirit accompanies him, guiding his path and imparting invaluable lessons that extend beyond the basketball court.
Kewanee High School pays tribute to Coach Shaune Lewis annually with a “Salute to Shaune Night,” a tradition that holds special significance for the community. This year, the commemorative night coincided with a thrilling 64-59 overtime victory against Princeton, a game that Lewis believes his father would have cherished.
Blaise Lewis acknowledges the unwavering support of his teammates, the community, and the coaching staff, emphasizing the comforting presence of the Kewanee community during this challenging period.
Coach Matt Clark commends Blaise’s growth both as a player and as a person, recognizing his emergence as a vocal leader and a dedicated competitor on and off the court.
In addition to basketball, Blaise inherited a passion for racing from his father, a legacy that he continues to uphold with remarkable success on the track.
Reflecting on his diverse pursuits, Blaise acknowledges that his father’s pride would have been greatest in his basketball achievements, a realm where he has excelled as a player and a leader.
In every endeavor, Blaise Lewis embodies the same unwavering commitment and spirit of “All We Got and All We Need,” a testament to his father’s enduring influence and legacy.
Kevin Hieronymus has been the BCR Sports Editor since 1986. Contact him at [email protected]