Alumni News
In the Spotlight!!
This month’s installment of the Alumni News belongs to a track and field individual. However, many of us will argue as to which sport he was better known for. Many of rue the fact that he did not spend an equal amount of time on both. However, promise and gifts are what were constant in this month’s profile person.
Many people will argue that he is undoubtedly one of the best centre forwards that the “College” has ever seen, many will undoubtedly argue that he was one of the best track and field athletes that never fulfilled his true potential. However, at the end of the day I think we can all agree that Errol “Sala” Lewis is one of the finest sportsmen, alumni of the “College” have ever seen.
He is not an intimidating presence as he stands probably at 5’11”, however, his frame carried inside of it a big heart that time after time took him to the field of battle in the Purple and White to salvage the pride and deep sense of commitment to his beloved institution.
Because we are profiling him for his track and field prowess first, we will begin there. Below is a brief overview of his track and field exploits while at the “College”:
- Long Jump Champion in 1983, 1984 and 1985.
- Jamaica representative at Carifta Games 1985
- Competed in 100 and 200 at Class 3 level
Although the list seems short, however his representation for the “College” is extremely memorable, even when Boys Champs were held at Sabina Park. On the grass, it was high drama when Errol Lewis and his compatriot Martin Dawes were competing. Those memories will be etched in our minds forever.
On the other side of the ledger is Sala’s prowess on the soccer field. His exploits here have earned him almost mythical admiration from the fans of the Purples during the eighties. If you check out his exploits below, you will see what all the fuss was about:
- Pepsi Cup 1980 and 1981 (in 1981 he became a household name while still in second form at Elleston Road)
- Colts Champions in 1982 and 1983 (it is during this time that his goal scoring exploits started to grow)
- Manning Cup representative from 1983 to 1987 (while it was funny at first, George Thompson had enough confidence in Sala to have him playing with the Manning Cup team while he was still playing Colts. That move by Coach Thompson proved to be prophetic)
- Manning Cup championship 1985 and 1986
- Walker Cup champions 1987
- Oliver Shield champions 1985
- All Manning Team 1984, 1985, 1986 & 1987
- Jamaica Juveniles 1985 & 1986
- Minor League Champions with Jones Town 1986
- Syd Bartlett champions with Swallowfield football club 1989
- Scholarship to Bellhaven College 1989
- Transfer scholarship to St. Francis College 1990 – 1992
Sala has always been a winner. When he left for his scholarship assignment at Bellhaven, we all knew that they were in for a treat. In just one year, a team rode with Sala to their first NAIA tournament. This school was never supposed to be their, because they were the small fish in a big pond. However, if you think about it growing up Sala had to overcome many of these obstacles growing up in Nannyville. Despite being dealt that hand, he continues to be a loyal friend, father and solid citizen.
Like life after sports, Sala has settled into his new role in life, and that is lead an exemplary life for his young son. A young son (Rasheed Lewis) who has already started in his footsteps as a young, rising star at Vaz Preparatory School where the football bug has already shown up.
Ever the jokester and life of the party Sala has overcome some hard times, but he persevered and today is a successful General Lines Life, Health and Variable Annuity Insurance agent in Jacksonville, Florida. He is a true example of the motto of our beloved alma mater.
Behind all that joking and laughter is a serious individual who does not take lightly the current situation with our beloved coach George Thompson. He is a man always trying to figure out how we can do more for our great coach, and a man that has shaped many of our lives. We all know that with this level of commitment and concern, our coach will be fine.
Please take the time to send Errol an email at SalaLew011@aol.com.