Lacrosse: Lewis helps Roanoke to ODAC title

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – Clarke Lewis, former member of The Woodlands High School lacrosse team, recently helped Roanoke University to the Old Dominion Athletic Conference championship.

The 2009 graduate of The Woodlands High School is finishing up his last year at Roanoke University and is making his last year, his best year.

The following is a question and answer session with Lewis and Roanoke University coach Bill Pilat.

PILAT: Clarke Lewis is a hardworking, determined lacrosse player. He is considered a “scrapper” by teammates and opponents alike. He gives a certain toughness to his face-off and midfield duties and has allowed Roanoke to remain a top 10 Division III team in 2013.

Clarke is a leader on our team through his hard work and his words. He encourages the younger players to play at a high level and compete every day in practice. He has provided us with intensity when we needed it and calm when things were getting out of control. He has played through injuries and had a severe shoulder injury that sidelined him for his junior season. He has come back stronger and more determined than ever to make his final playing year his best.

He is a strong student who has worked hard in the classroom to be in a position to graduate from Roanoke College.

Question: How was the transition from high school academics to college academics and high school lacrosse to college lacrosse?
LEWIS: I wouldn't say easy, but it wasn't crazy difficult. The thing that took the most getting used to was the fact that if I didn't want to go to class I didn't have to. But I always did, of course and I will graduate from Roanoke with a degree in Business Administration.

The transition to the college game took a little getting used to. The speed of the game increases greatly when you make the jump to the college level especially here at Roanoke where we like to push the tempo up and down the field. Also, the level of competition goes way up.

Question: What will you do immediately upon graduation?
LEWIS: I really want to hike the Appalachian Trail as soon as I graduate. It’s something I have always wanted to do and I figure right after I graduate is the perfect time to do it before I get a real job.

Question: When and how were you introduced to the game of lacrosse?
LEWIS: Lacrosse was introduced to me by a good friend and fellow Woodlands Lacrosse alum, Jake Kronshage. I had seen it on television before but had never played or anything. We just started throwing the ball around one day freshman year and I was hooked. I signed up with The Woodlands the following season and began my lacrosse career.

Question: Do you think it is important for graduating high school seniors to go away to college?
LEWIS: Absolutely, because it gives you a different perspective on your current situation. It also gives you a chance to live in a different area of the country and a chance to meet people from all over, some of whom are looking to venture away from home as well.

Question: How would you describe playing against TWHS teammates Nick Huckins and Connor Milton who attend Guilford College?
LEWIS: Simply awesome! Having the opportunity to play against old teammates and friends at a high level is always fun. It's also pretty cool that we are all in the ODAC (Old Dominion Athletic Conference) so we get to play each other at least once a year.

Question: You played for Roanoke and had Michael Lintner of Houston-Episcopal for a teammate. How was it having a fellow Texan on the team?
LEWIS: It's awesome having some fellow Texans on the team. Michael and also Iles Mitchell (Houston Christian) and "Wild" Will Merritt who was unfortunately out with injury, and myself, it’s cool that we all ended up in the same place so far away from home. It's nice being able to share that Texas pride with some other guys on the team.

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