It’s obvious when Jim Lewis, dad of University of Wisconsin Oshkosh men’s basketball coach Matt Lewis, starts working the crowd―with his hands, his feet and his voice.
“De-fense.” Stomp, stomp. “De-fense.” Stomp, stomp. “De-fense.” Stomp, stomp.
Members of Coach Lewis’ family are fixtures at Titan men’s basketball games.
Jim Lewis is a fixture behind the player bench with his wife, Matt’s mom, Lyndee. Often their older son, Jimy, is with them, along with their neighbors and other UWO fans.
When the situation on the court gets tense, Jim starts pounding the center aisle of the bleachers with his open hand, creating energy―and a loud sound―that encourages the crowd to join in.
As coach’s parents, Lyndee Lewis said she and Jim are always available― providing an additional layer of support to the team and their son if anything is needed.
The Lewis’ game-day preparations follow a routine that includes attire that is the same at all games―including shoes and socks, and getting sandwiches and chips from Jimmy John’s.
Before each contest, both parents send encouraging text messages to their son and just before game-time, Lyndee makes sure he has a certain kind of gum.
Coach Lewis’ parents have a unique perspective.
Their Titan circle is a large one that includes many former players and coaches. They know about players’ birthdays, their siblings and their grandparents. Lyndee notes “it’s a sad day” when the seniors play their final game and “a fun day” every time a new player commits to UWO.
“We’re very honored to be part of this and be able to support our son,” she said. “He has graciously allowed us to be part of it.”
Left to right: Tom Winek ’77, cheered on the Titans last week with former teammate Buzz Soderman ’77, and Soderman’s wife Ann.
Former Titans back the team
Buzz Soderman, who played point guard for UWO from 1974 to 1976, said this year’s team is very aggressive and a lot of fun to watch. Soderman and his wife, Ann, drove 60 miles from Pardeeville to watch the game against Whitewater and faced a snowy ride home.
With Soderman, was Tom Winek, also a former UWO guard. At 6-1 and 6-2, they recalled being the shortest players on their team. Winek, who lives in the Fox Valley near Jim and Lyndee Lewis, was wearing a stylish warmup from his playing days more than 40 years ago. He was proud to be able to still snap it shut.
Player connections
Gabe Gritt, a grade 6 student at Plymouth, was at the game with his friend, Royce Booth, a grade 5 student and younger brother of UWO player Cole Booth. Royce and Gabe were dancing and doing their best to attract the attention of cameras and get on the live stream and overhead scoreboard.
There were more than 12 people who attended the Whitewater game with a connection to Cole Booth, including grandparents. Booth is routinely cheered by a large contingent of fans. Some say “half the town” of Plymouth turns out for the games.
The Bolt Band has added a new dynamic to home basketball games in Kolf Sports Center.
It’s a small world
Robyn Kirsch, a freshman biomedical science major and volleyball player from Wausau, said the principal of the central Wisconsin high school she attended, Wausau West, is the father of UWO player Quinn Steckbauer, a junior guard from Merrill. Kirsch pointed out that Quinn’s younger sister, Kate, also is a UWO student.
Nursing students Cailee Franks and Morgan Demrow are frequently in the stands at Titan games.
Sitting nearby were a pair of junior nursing students Cailee Franks of Watertown and Morgan Demrow of Edgerton, who say they go to games as often as they can.
Demrow noted that sophomore player Nick Spang is from her hometown.
“She (Demrow) kind of made me go, but now I like it,” Franks said. The two were involved in the game, holding up the gold cardboard signs displaying a large number 3, each time the Titans made a three-point shot.
Just like Coach Lewis, the students said they liked the energy the Bolt Band brings to the games.
Lyndee Lewis cheers for a three-point shot.
Lyndee Lewis encourages people to come out and support the team―regular and post-season champions this season and reigning national champion with the 2019 Div. III title―the last time the tournament was completed since being canceled due to the pandemic.
The Titans host Blackburn College at 7:15 p.m. Friday in regional NCAA tournament play at Kolf Sports Center. Should they win, they will play Saturday night, also at Kolf.
“We have a good team,” Lyndee Lewis said. “They play with a lot of passion.”
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