Everyday Champion -- Keenan Lewis - Oregon State University Athletics

Sept. 1, 2008

"I have this gratifying vision of Keenan (Lewis) with a bunch of kids around him in a classroom setting."

College of Liberal Arts advisor Polly Jeneva has charted a course for Lewis academically throughout his stay at Oregon State University and has nothing but praise for the personable New Orleans native.

"He wants to be an elementary teacher; he'll be an outstanding one," Jeneva said.

Lewis' story is like many other student-athletes at Oregon State - given an opportunity they thrive in the sports venues and more importantly academically. Lewis, himself, could join former Beaver Dennis Weathersby as the only four-time Pac-10 Conference first team All-Academic football selection in the history of the program.

"It's very important for me to join Dennis on that list," Lewis, who will graduate in December, said. "I've always been serious about my academics; I guess I got that growing up in a family of educators."

Since Lewis' arrival on campus he has had to watch from afar the devastation of Hurricane Katrina had on family and friends, and then return home to help pick up the pieces. He once again has had to watch with concern as Hurricane Gustav hit his home again, forcing his immediately family to evacuate to Atlanta.

"My family heard the word hurricane and got out of town," Lewis said.

While enduring the family crises' he has managed to become a vital member of the football team, where as a cornerback he leads the team with 36 starts. He is also one of the leaders in the classroom with over a 3.00 GPA.

"A terrific young man," head coach Mike Riley said. "You always hope young men and women take advantage of opportunities when they are presented; Keenan is a perfect example of someone who has. He really is a success story that `Beaver Nation' can be proud of."

Lewis also is grateful for having the chance to represent the Orange and Black.

"There is no way I would have had an opportunity to get an education the quality as I have received here without the donors who have made my scholarship possible," Lewis said. "If I had a chance to address the crowd at Reser Stadium I would thank them for all that I have received. It's been a tremendous experience for me at Oregon State and I'm thankful to have had it."

Lewis' experiences aren't done yet at Oregon State with a majority of the 2008 season remaining.

Continue to the Q&A to learn more about Keenan Lewis, the student-athlete:

Look back at your stay at Oregon State, what's your fondest memory? "Beating USC in front of Beaver Nation. That was a special day."

Tell us about coming here in the first place - what brought you to OSU? "Dennis Christopher (New Orleans native and current linebacker) is the reason I came to Oregon State. Dennis called me one day and told me that coach Charlie Camp (then at OSU) was interested in us and wanted us to come for a visit. I liked what the coaching staff had to say and that I had an opportunity to play - so, I decided to come to Oregon State."

What do you tell your friends in New Orleans about Oregon? "I tell them it's nice. The campus and the state are beautiful."

What does it mean to you to be an Everyday Champion at Oregon State? "It's important to me and a great honor. I know there have been a lot of great student-athletes before me that have been Everyday Champions - it's special to be among that group."

What is the difference between Keenan Lewis the freshman cornerback and Keenan Lewis the senior cornerback? "I'm much more confident now. I was scared to get beat on the field as a freshman, but I don't worry about that now as much."

What the hardest part about playing the position? "I guess you just have to have a short memory. Everybody in the stadium knows when you get beat, but you just have to come back and forget about that."

Describe what it is like playing for Mike Riley? "It's been a great experience playing for Coach Riley. I came here and didn't know much at all about the area; he became a father figure. It's been great playing for Coach Riley."

You will graduate at the end of this term in liberal studies. What's next? "I want to work with kids at the elementary level and coach, once I'm done playing football."

When you run onto the field at the Civil War and your mother Muriel is standing there - what's that going to be like? "Exciting! I can't wait to see her. She is coming to three games in Corvallis this year. It will be really special."

OFF THE FIELD WITH Keenan Lewis

Favorite Cajun food... red beans and fried chicken
Your dream vehicle ... Dodge Charger, because it's fast and it's a cool model.
My worst habit is... sleeping in, but I'm working on that
In 10 years, I'd like to be... a professional football player for the New Orleans Saints and a parent.
The TV show I never miss is... Martin
My biggest role model is... my mother
My greatest fear is... snakes - they're sneaky.
My favorite Pac-10 city is... Corvallis, because it's where I live and it's fun
My nickname is ... Primetime
If I wasn't playing football, what other sport would you play ... I'd be running the 100 meters
My favorite Oregon State athlete is... Keenan Lewis
My dream job would be... head coach of a college football team
How do you describe Keith Heyward (cornerbacks coach) ... he's a funny guy, but hardworking and tries to get the best out of you. He's very dedicated, hard-working and kind