Lewinski signs “National Letter of Intent” to play football for UMO Black Bears

In December, shortly before the holiday break Wells High School Senior Michael Lewinski signed a National Letter of Intent (NLI) to play football for the Maine Black Bears as a place-kicker, punter, or both. Initially, he will have the status of a preferred walk-on player.

Lewinski’s signing took place on December 21st in the Richard A. Ronco Gymnasium at WHS in front of classmates, relatives, and members of the WHS Athletics Department including Director Jodie Lawlor who organized this event. Following initial photos with coaches and relatives, Lewinski was joined by the entire Warriors Football team for a group photo.

Also present at the signing were Michael’s parents, Tom and Stephanie Lewinski, Michael’s brother Drew, and grandparents Lydia Dawson, Dolores Lewinski, and Tom Lewinski, Sr.

“I started out my freshman year on varsity just kicking and then I played both offense, defense, and special teams in my junior and senior years,” said Lewinski in describing his four-year career playing on the WHS Warriors Football Team.

At UMO, Lewinski says he will study Sports Management. Earlier this fall he visited UMO and met with the Bears’ coaching staff and players. “I think that the biggest part of my decision to go there was the coaching staff,” said Lewinski. “They were honest about everything, down-to-earth people (who) really told me how it was.”

Unlike many of his players who began playing football in junior high school, Warriors Head Football Coach Tim Roche indicated that Lewinski entered his freshman year somewhat late to the sport. However, Roche said that Lewinski took kicking lessons and trained very hard and ended up playing all for years. “He definitely deserves this,” said Roche and added, “Maine (UMO) is getting a real good player.”

Assistant Warriors Coach Kevin Fox added similar comments. “Michael took his passion for football as motivation to work hard and put in the extra time and effort to achieve his goal of playing at the collegiate level.”

Coach Tim Roche, WHS Athletic Trainer Sarah Poirier, Michael Lewinski, and Assistant Coach Kevin Fox.

The 2022 Wells Warriors Football Team lineup with Michael Lewinski sitting at the table over the Maine banner