Romeoville, Ill. - Tickets are still available to purchase for the Lewis Athletics Reverse Raffle with the drawing to take place at the Flyer Red Dinner on January 28th.
Tickets will be drawn and eliminated one by one, with the last two tickets drawn deemed the winners. The second to last ticket drawn wins 10% of the cash pot and the final ticket drawn wins 40% of the cash pot. Remaining 50% of pot goes to Lewis Athletics. If your ticket is called, you do not need to be present at the dinner to win. Tickets are available to purchase until 5 p.m. on January 27th. The link to purchase reverse raffle tickets
can be found here.
Lewis athletics is also set to host its annual Flyer Red Dinner at the Bolingbrook Golf and Country Club on January 28
th with the event starting at 6 p.m. The dinner serves as a fundraising event to benefit Flyer Athletics and its teams while also recognizing the 2026 Lewis Athletics Hall of Fame class. There will be a cocktail hour to start the night starting at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and a celebration of Flyer Athletics., beginning at 7 p.m. The ceremony will be closed out by a final program that includes honoring the inductees of newest hall of fame class.
Registration for the event is still open as well. Please reach out to associate athletic director for development
Tyler Mitchell tmichell7@lewisu.edu or use the l
ink here to register or recieve more details.
The inductees include longtime athletic trainer Tony McCormick (Aug. 1986 – May 2001), the 1996 & 1997 Women's Cross Country Teams, David Locker (Men's Cross Country/Track and Field, 1994-97), Magdalena Paszta (Women's Cross Country/Track and Field, 1994-1998) and Kevin Coates (Men's Swimming, 2007-11).
The Lewis Athletics Hall of Fame will also welcome its ninth Brother Raymond McManaman Lasallian of the Year honoree with the induction of Chuck Crowder. The Brother Raymond McManaman Lasallian of the Year was established in 2016 to honor members of the Lewis community who have unwavering support for athletics and embody the Lasallian values of faith in the presence of God, concern for the poor and social justice, respect for all persons, quality education, and inclusive community.
Read below about each inductee:
Tony McCormick (Aug. 1986 – May 2001) - Athletic Trainer
Longtime former athletic trainer and Lewis University professor Tony McCormick was tabbed to the 39th Lewis Athletics Hall of Fame. With his selection, McCormick becomes just one of two athletic trainers in the hall of fame alongside William Tuscany who was inducted in 1993.
"I was blessed to have the best boss ever, Paul Ruddy" said McCormick. "Paul was very supportive of everyone in the athletic department. I had the pleasure of working with many excellent coaches and athletic staff that were members of the athletic department. I truly enjoyed teaching. My pleasure is seeing my student's success in the medical field. Lewis was very important in both my personal and professional development"
McCormick joined the Flyers staff in 1986 and served his post until 2001. While at Lewis, McCormick helped host several conference and NCAA post season tournaments and worked with numerous Lewis Athletics Hall of Fame members, athletes, coaches and administrators.
Under his leadership, the role of student-trainers changed from simply "covering" Lewis athletic contest to developing career-oriented athletic trainers. Tony was very personable, developing long-lasting relationships with his student-athletes. Tony joined Lewis at a time when the athletic department was growing adding women's soccer, men's and women's track and field, and men's volleyball. In addition to being a trainer, he was also an Assistant Professor in the College of Education.
Since leaving Lewis in 2001, McCormick has served patients at Athletic Clinical facilities, and at Lane Tech, St. Patrick's and Fenwick High School. He has also served as the West Suburban representative for Athletico University. Since 2010, Tony has served as teacher of the Fenwick High School Martial Arts Club and also worked as a self-defense instructor at Concordia University. Tony frequently worked as an Athletic Trainer at the NBA Pre-Draft camps. He has also worked with the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) as a athletic trainer for the Olympic Festival And he worked with US Soccer as athletic trainer in multiple areas.
McCormick is married to former Lewis basketball coach Tracy McCormick. The two have three children, daughter's Danielle, Brianna, and son Casey.
Kevin Coates (2007-11) - Men's Swimming
After a decorated career in the pool with the Flyers from 2007-11, former Lewis University men's swimmer Kevin Coates was named to the Lewis Athletics Hall of Fame. Coates is also the first male or female Lewis swimmer to be inducted to the Lewis Athletics Hall of Fame.
"I want to thank/express my gratitude for Lewis University and NCAA Division II sports" said Coates. "They gave me the opportunity to get a great education in the field I wanted to go into while being able to fully participate in a sport that I loved. It also helped me become a better leader which has led me down a successful professional career."
While with Lewis, Coates was a seven-time All-American and three-time honorable mention All-American. A two-time national swimmer of the week with Lewis, Coates held three different schools records with his record in the 1650 yard freestyle still up today.
Along with his All-American accolades, Coates was named the 2008 GLIAC Freshman of the Year and 2010 GLIAC Swimmer of the Year while winning seven individual GLIAC Championships in the pool.
After his swimming career, Coates was able to take his radio/tv broadcasting degree and work his way up the chain to become the department manager at WDRB TV in Louisville, Kentucky. He currently resides in the Bluegrass State with his wife Shelby and daughter Rory.
David Locker (1994-97) - Men's Cross Country
David Locker, one of the most dominant runners in program history, was named to the 39th Lewis Athletics Hall of Fame class.
"My time at Lewis is filled with unforgettable memories—from meeting lifelong friends to find my amazing wife," said Locker "The support and community at Lewis made these moments truly special."
David competed in track and field and cross country for Lewis University, quickly establishing himself as one of the program's all-time greats. He held the Lewis indoor mile record (4:07.76) for an incredible 29 years (1996–2025) and the GLVC outdoor 800m record for 25 years (1997–2022).
David's name is found throughout the Lewis record books: Indoor Top 10: 600m (4th), 800m (4th), 1000m (9th), Mile (2nd) Outdoor Top 10: 800m (6th), 1500m (10th) He also ranks among the Men's Cross Country All-Time Top 25 for both the 8K (1998) and 10K (1997) events.
A five-time All-American, David earned national honors in the indoor mile (1996), outdoor 800m (1997), and indoor 800m (1998). His top NCAA finishes include 4th in the indoor mile (1996), 4th in the outdoor 800m (1997), and 5th in the indoor 800m (1999), while helping lead the 1996 men's cross country team to a second-place finish at nationals.
Beyond Lewis, David continued to excel on the international stage. In 1997, he represented England in the 800m, and decades later, his competitive spirit remains as strong as ever. He earned a silver medal at the 2022 European Masters Indoor Championships (800m), set a World Record in the Men's Masters V45 4x800m relay (8:10.98) in 2023, and even completed the London Marathon in 2025.
Today, David serves as Managing Director at Bestir Limited, continuing to lead with the same drive and determination that defined his athletic career. He shares his life with his wife, Magda Locker, who is a fellow Lewis Athletics Hall of Fame inductee, and their daughters, Demi and Chelsi.
Magdalena Paszta (1994-98) - Women's Cross Country
Former national champion and program standout
Magdalena Paszta was tabbed to the 39th Lewis Athletics Hall of Fame Class.
"I want to sincerely thank the university and my coaches for their support and for giving me the opportunity to compete and grow," said Paszta. "This recognition is very special, and I am truly grateful for everything you have done for me."
A native of Poland, Paszta's running career began long before Lewis. As a teenager, she represented Poland in the World Cross Country Championships (1993) and multiple international meets at the U18 level. A Polish National Champion in both cross country and track (U16 & U18), she showed early signs of greatness.
At Lewis, Magda became one of the most decorated runners in Lewis history with many records still standing: Indoor Top 10: 600m (6th), 800m (4th), 1000m (4th), Mile (2nd) Outdoor Top 10: 800m (5th), 1500m (2nd), 3000m (5th), 5000m (5th) She also ranks 2nd all-time in the 5K on the Lewis Women's Cross Country Top 25 list (1997) and helped the 1996 and 1997 teams finish second and third respectively at Nationals. A fourteen-time NCAA All-American and three- time GLVC XC Champion,
Magda earned honors nearly every year she competed. Her crowning moment came in 1998, when she captured the NCAA National Championship in the Indoor Mile, securing her legacy as one of the best to ever wear a Lewis uniform.
After graduation, Magda continued to chase goals beyond the finish line, completing the London Marathon in 2017, a reflection of her lifelong commitment to the sport. Today, she leads with that same drive at Cambridge, supported by her husband and fellow Lewis Athletics Hall of Fame inductee David Locker and daughters Demi and Chelsi.
1996 & 1997 Women's Cross Country Teams
1996 and 1997 marked a golden era for Lewis University Women's Cross Country. A time defined by grit, unity, and record-setting success. The 1996 and 1997 teams carved their names into Flyers history, setting the standard for excellence on both the regional and national stage and are now members of the Lewis Athletics Hall of Fame.
The 1996 Women's Cross Country team was nothing short of remarkable. The Flyers captured the GLVC Conference Championship, then soared to claim the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional title, punching their ticket to the NCAA National Championships. At Nationals, Lewis raced to a third-place team finish, the highest in program history at the time. The team's depth and leadership were unmatched. The 1996 roster featured three current Lewis Hall of Famers: Malgorzata Biela ('96, '97), Kasia Arient ('96, '97), and Magdalena Paszta ('95 –'97). Their shared legacy of discipline and teamwork became the backbone of Lewis Cross Country's tradition of excellence.
Building on the momentum of their historic third-place finish the year before, the 1997 Flyers delivered one of the most dominant seasons in program history. The Flyers once again swept the GLVC Championship and captured the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional title, solidifying their place as the top team in the region. But the highlight came on the sport's biggest stage, the NCAA National Championships, where Lewis raced to a stunning National Runner-Up finish, the highest in program history. The 1997 team showcased incredible depth, discipline, and unity from start to finish. Leading the charge was standout Magda Locker, whose talent and leadership set the tone for the team's success. Alongside fellow elite runners and Hall of Fame teammates like Malgorzata Biela and Kasia Arient, the Flyers created a powerful legacy built on discipline and hard work.
The 1996 and 1997 Cross Country teams are the first cross country teams in the hall of fame and are two of nine teams ever inducted into the Lewis Athletics Hall of Fame as well.
Chuck Crowder - Lasallian of the Year
Former professor Chuck Crowder was named the ninth Brother Raymond McManaman Lasallian of the Year.
"I really appreciate this award and want to thank everyone who made it possible - GO FLYERS" said Crowder.
The Brother Raymond McManaman Lasallian of the Year was established in 2016 to honor members of the Lewis community who have unwavering support for athletics and embody the Lasallian values of faith in the presence of God, concern for the poor and social justice, respect for all persons, quality education, and inclusive community.The award was named after Brother Raymond, a devoted Christian Brother who provided valuable and dedicated leadership and service to Lewis University for over 45 years. He was one of the original seven Christian Brothers to arrive at Lewis in 1960 and served the University in various capacities, most notably as an outstanding professor in the Theology Department.
Before arriving at Lewis, Crowder served our country as a member of the Air Force, serving as a fighter pilot and forward air controller (USAF). While with the Air Force, he was one of four pilots from his wing (out of nearly 100 pilots) selected to spend two weeks flying against the Navy's Top Gun School. Crowder was also nominated for Forward Air Controller of the Year in Europe as well.
After serving, he was an analyst for military programs (including President Reagan's "Star Wars") at BDM International.He also held numerous positions from Research Physicist to Director of Operations at Amoco Laser Company, Various Positions at Scientific-Atlanta including Vice President/General Manager of the Optical Products Division. He was awarded a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to attend graduate school as well. At Amoco Laser Company, Crowder and his team won an R&D 100 award (one of the best 100 technological products of the year) for their diode-pumped solid-state lasers and some Laser Focus New Product of the Year Awards. At Scientific-Atlanta, he ran the team that won the contract to build the Verizon's Optical Network.
While at Lewis, Crowder was an associate professor of physics for 14 years where he taught and impacted the lives of numerous students and student-athletes. Crowder earned the Lasallian Teaching Award and served as a chairman of the Lewis Arts and Sciences Budget Committee, Chairman of University Faculty Budget Review Committee and was a faculty representative on Lewis Board of Trustees Budget Committee. On the athletic side of campus, Crowder was the Chairman of Lewis Athletic Advisory Committee from its inception until his retirement. An avid fan of Lewis sports, Crowder attended multiple athletic events to support student-athletes around campus and in classes. He also was the faculty representative for men's volleyball as well.
Crowder and his wife Susan have four children, David, Colleen, Andy, John and their grandchildren, Olivia, Sophie, Penny, Quinn, Hattie, Ainsley, Avery, Maddie, Will, Rayna and Rowen.
For the latest news and updates on Lewis athletics, visit LewisFlyers.com and follow the Flyers on social media at @golewisflyers on Instagram and @LewisFlyers on X.
