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Lewis headed to Franklin & Marshall

Sidney High School senior Logan Lewis, who broke several school records on the gridiron last season, has committed to attending and playing football for Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa.

Among the Red Raiders rushing records Lewis set last year include most yards gained in a season (2,053), most yards gained in a game (306) and most rushing touchdowns (20) in a season. In two critical games against district opponents Gering and Scottsbluff, he twice tied the record for most touchdowns in a game with four.

In addition to football, Lewis is also a standout on the Red Raiders basketball and track teams. The Raiders basketball team has been ranked among the top-10 Class B teams in the state all season. Last year Lewis qualified for three events at the state track meet.

In addition to its athletic programs, Lewis was also attracted to Franklin & Marshall for its scholastic reputation. Franklin & Marshall is a prestigious academic institution where Lewis plans on studying business and economics.

Lewis became familiar with Franklin & Marshall after attending football camps at Dartmouth and Yale last summer. Since he or his family didn't know much about the Division III schools out east, he and his father did some research on Franklin & Marshall and other public and private schools.

"We sent them some film and they called me right away," said Lewis.

The Franklin & Marshall Diplomats football team has had a successful run under eighth-year Head Coach John Troxell, registering winning seasons four of the past five years. The Diplomats have also appeared in post season games four times since 2009.

In 2013 the Division III Diplomats finished the season with a 38-14 victory over Delaware Valley in the ECAC Southwest Bowl game. By summer Franklin & Marshall will begin work on a new $18 Million stadium where future Division III playoff games are expected to be played. The Stadium is expected to open in 2016.

"Coach Troxell picked us up at the airport and he seemed like such a great guy," said Lewis, who made the visit to Lancaster with his grandfather, Carlos Flores. "After meeting the coaches and a several players it really seemed like family to me. It was such a welcoming feeling."

In addition to Franklin & Marshall, Lewis considered other options. While he once pondered walking on at the University of Nebraska, the final decision came down to Chadron State and F&M. The University of Nebraksa at Kearney was also interested.

Attending school in Nebraksa would have had many advantages for Lewis. As someone with close family ties, the idea of being near home had strong appeal.

"It was a hard decision but I feel now like I've done the right thing," said Lewis.

After losing one starting back to graduation and perhaps having lost another to injury, the Diplomats backfield will be up for grabs next season. Lewis already had his eye on fighting for one of the open spots.

"I think that whoever works the hardest will get the starting jobs," said Lewis. "If I can put on a little size and keep working hard I think I can start."

As for his future, Lewis really liked that Franklin & Marshall will be involved with his post-graduation job search. Each graduate is paired with an alumnus who will help them line up and prepare for interviews.

As for the distance to Lancaster, Lewis realizes his family won't be able to attend his games as readily.

"I'll have some family get out for some games," Lewis said. "It's nice in Lancaster so there's more they can do than just watch a football game."

Lewis is the son of Lance and Tanya Lewis of Sidney.

 

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