An American Rivers Conference high jump championship and an all-American finish at the NCAA national championships last spring vaulted Drake Lewis to the front of the pack when the Dutchies were handed out at Central College.

Lewis won the award for Male Freshman Athlete of the Year, being honored for his performance during the 2019 outdoor track and field season.  After a 6’9” jump to win the ARC crown, he backed it up on the national stage.

“It was really windy that first day, and I was really glad it calmed down by the second day.  It couldn’t have been better, it was another 65, 70-degree day with sun and no wind, barely any clouds.  It was such a great day and I was fortunate enough to have that.”

Lewis also qualified for the NCAA indoor championships this spring, along with his brother Brock, but both missed out on the opportunity to compete because their season was cut short due to COVID-19.

The other nominees for Male Freshman Athlete of the Year were football player Cameron Banister, men’s basketball newcomer Drake Johnson and men’s soccer standout Charlie Pritchard.