James Lewis was the first athlete I ever coached who really touched my heart. He was a special, special person.

James Lewis and those other kids in '78, '79 and '80 laid the groundwork for our state championship teams. But especially James. The kids that followed learned from him. We all did. He always came to practice prepared, practiced like it was game night and was better in the fourth quarter than he was in the first. He left an impression.

When he was little, I made sure my son, Aaron, met James and listened to our conversations. I wanted Aaron to be around James. Personally, I wouldn't be who I am today without James. He elevated himself and everyone around him. Even as coaches, he elevated us. He tried to walk a straight line in a crooked world.

I classify players as good, great and warriors. James was a warrior. And he took care of so many team problems that coaches have with players.

I'm not Carl Lewis the athlete any more. I'm growing into a new person with new interests and new goals.

Marc was the most fierce competitor I've ever coached. Marc was a phenomenal athlete. He did everything (and) played on both sides of the ball.