Maggie Lewis is a proud sports mom for the Altus Bulldogs. Her family enjoys numerous activities including swimming, the beach, games, their pets, cook-outs and just being together as a family. She says in particular, “sports have brought my family together to provide an activity for everyone to enjoy, grow and learn together.”

Her family includes six children ranging in age from twenty-two to five-years-old. Through the years her children Faith, Jason, Jessett and Londyn and her stepsons Christopher and Christian, have engaged in every sport from tennis, track, basketball and football with the youngest currently playing T-ball.

Her son Jason excels in track having placed fourth at state in the 110 hurdles. “I love seeing the joy in my children’s eyes when they love what they are doing. Track has helped Jason grow into a young man with purpose, accountability, and good character. He has a wonderful role model in his track coach, Mr. Garrison, who leads him and expects good choices from his athletes on and off the track,” said Maggie.

There are many benefits to being active in a child’s sports. “It is about seeing the smile on their faces when they see you or hear you yelling for them in the crowd or being at the finish line after a race to enjoy the win with them,” she says, “or just being a shoulder for them to lean on if it did not go in their favor.”

Giving the kids moral support is important but there are other ways to support the athletic program. For the Bulldog track team Maggie says an important role parents play is providing snacks and drinks. This ensures that all the athletes stay nourished during the long track days.

Maggie wants all students in sports to believe in themselves and always give their all. For parents wanting to get more involved, Maggie has this advice. “Just attend, communicate with the coaches and kids, make them feel loved and the rest will fall into place.”