Lewis named to Colonial Athletic Association All-Rookie Team

Freshman 197-pound Derman Lewis (Schenectady, N.Y./Schalmont) has been selected to the Colonial Athletic Association 2002-03 All-Rookie Wrestling Team. Lewis was BU's starter at 197 all season long, and registered 11 wins, including 10 in dual matches. The 6-foot-4 freshman was one of 10 wrestlers selected (one at each weight class) and the lone Binghamton representative.

"I'm happy for Derman," head coach Mike Fusilli said. "The selction reflects his hard work and development throughout the season. He improved tenfold from the time he stepped on campus until March. We look for him to continue to improve and have a bertter sophomore campaign."

Two of Lewis' best wins came in duals against Wagner and East Stroudsburg, when he rode each opponent for the entire third period to earn the victories. The 3-2 Wagner win came against the fifth-ranked wrestler in the CAA.

"Derman wrestles like a heavyweight," Fusilli said. "His offense is slow but he scores with it. He also wrestles smart and doesn't give up many points."

As a scholastic athlete at Schalmont High, Lewis captured freestyle and Greco-Roman titles at the New York State/USA Wrestling State Championship. He also was a first-team football wide receiver.