Craig Lewis ends winning coaching career
Craig Lewis has been the Hudson High School forensic coach every year since he was hired to teach in Hudson in 1979 but this year was his last season. He finishes on a high note, just like he has every year for the past 33.By: Meg Heaton, Hudson Star-Observer
- Hudson High School forensics team members and coaches
- Craig Lewis and assistant coach Nikki Benson
Craig Lewis has been the Hudson High School forensic coach every year since he was hired to teach in Hudson in 1979 but this year was his last season.
He finishes on a high note, just like he has every year for the past 33. At this year’s state contest HHS brought home 12 gold medals, nine silver, and five bronze medals.
In addition to forensics, Lewis has coached 24 seasons of debate, 32 seasons of drama and nine seasons of quiz bowl for a total of 98 coaching seasons.
In his own high school years, he dreamed of being a radio disc jockey but a teacher in Ironwood, Mich., convinced him that a career in education was a good idea. He has spent his entire career teaching and coaching at Hudson High School.
He describes his years as coach simply. “They have been good. What could be better?”
Lewis likes the fact that forensics attracts all types of students to participate in more than a dozen categories. This year’s team has about 40 members. His largest team had 90. He says students who get involved in forensics or any of the other activities he’s coached over the years gain confidence and make friendships that last. “They are wonderful kids to work with.”
Lewis said he is retiring from coaching but not teaching, not yet. He says he can step down because he has a very capable replacement in assistant coach Nikki Benson. “She’s the only one who has stayed on this long. It’s time to turn things over to her.”
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