It has taken Largo junior Tyler Lewis ten years to achieve just one goal. Lewis has had success running track and cross country, but it’s not that elusive state title he’s been after. It is the most prestigious achievement the Boy Scouts of America can bestow, the title of Eagle Scout.
To become an Eagle Scout one must, “earn at least 21 merit badges and demonstrating scout spirit through the Boy Scout Oath and Law, service, and leadership, including an extensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads, and manages.” This dedication has led Lewis to become a better person and a better runner.
“The scouts are built off core values such as trustworthiness, bravery, courteousness, and perseverance, which are where distance running and scouts tie in. Through scouts, I’ve learned a work ethic that correlates to my life, and to running, more than anything.”
Lewis is the first Largo cross country captain in over a decade an honor he attributes to the leadership he has learned as an Eagle Scout, but that isn’t the only values he applies to his everyday life.
“I rely on the values not only instilled by scouts, but by my parents to do all of my work and activities. I think that perseverance and the drive to never quit have made me successful in running. I was taught that if you’ re going to dedicate yourself to something, go out and try to be the best you can be, and that what I try to do with running, scouts, and school.”
He says these lessons have taught him valuable people skills as well.
“I’ve learned how to be a better all around guy; manners, politeness, being helpful. All things I’ve learned from scouting and through my family.”
Scouts are just one of a handful of extra-curricular activities the junior is a part of.
“At school, I’m in an academic magnet program, and I’m on the board of student advisors for that. I’m in the National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes,
and I do all this while maintaining good grades in honors and AP classes, while still having time for family and my girlfriend.”
There is also his faith in God and willingness to give back to his church.
“Well, God is a big part of my life, and my whole family is actively involved in church so naturally I am too. I help out with the audio and video equipment on Sundays, and I’m there all the time. Me and my brother (who also runs in middle school) are the youth the church sees. Everybody seems to know me, and really care about the things I’m involved in.”
He takes that support onto the cross country course , training 900 miles over the summer, en route to what he calls, an “ok” season. Lewis was consistently one of the top runners in Pinellas County and cracked the top 50 at state, placing 49th. Like many cross country athletes, with the season being over, he will now turn his attention to track. He hopes to make it to state in the 3200 and break 9:45.
Running and motivational quotes litter his Facebook profile. He feeds off that inspiration to be the best all around person he can be.
“I like to imagine what could be and how the people who said the quotes, how they were feeling.”
"I love controlling a race, chewing up an opponent. Let's get down and dirty. Let's fight it out. It's raw, animalistic, with no one to rely on but yourself. There's no better feeling than that."
-Adam Goucher
"Excuses are the nails used to Build a house of failure."
- Coach Dave Koehler
“Somewhere in the world someone is training when you are not. When you race him, he will win." - Tom Fleming
Throughout all the kind words, hard work, and accolades, Lewis remains humble.
“I know I’m a role model at scouts and I try to help the young runners on my team out but I’m just being myself, I’m not putting on an act to impress anybody.”
Getting To Know Tyler Lewis
On the nickname “Brosamunchkin”: “Well, my freshman year, the seniors on our team gave out nicknames for the "bros" based on what we looked like. All the guys said I was a cupcake (because I had long hair and was 5'0), but ran like a monster, and they called me brosamunchkin.”
Most prized possession: “My personally signed Ryan Hall poster because he’s my favorite American runner, besides Pre.”
Favorite thing to do when you aren’t running: “I have two. I LOVE to fish whenever I can. My friends and I go all the time on kayaks in the intracoastal and the gulf, off the beach. My favorite thing is catching redfish, and trout but my curse is I can’t catch a snook to save my life. I’ve never caught one, and I love being with my best friends.”
If you could travel anywhere where would it be: “Minnesota, because my dad (who was a cross country runner in high school) grew up in Chicago and went on vacation there every summer. I’ve only been twice but it’s amazing. We fish all morning, the go waterskiing in the afternoon, and then fish more. My dad used to have a family cabin on the lake, so when we go he reminisces about the days of old.”
Final thoughts: “I couldn’t go on without mentioning my team. These guys are my best friends and I just want to thank them for such a great junior year.”
