South Allegheny female placekicker switches helmet for homecoming crown
As the placekicker for the South Allegheny Gladiators and a majorette for the marching band during the past two seasons, Audra Lewis has become quite adept at switching in and out of uniforms during each game.
Before Friday night's game against the South Park Eagles, the starting varsity senior swapped her football helmet and twirling baton for a tiara and sash when the student body selected her to be this year's Homecoming Queen.
“This honor really means so much to me,” said Lewis, 17, of Liberty. “I hope that what I've been able to do is an inspiration to the younger girls by showing them that they can do anything, whether it's play on the boys football team, march with the band, or both.”
Lewis was accompanied onto the field for the homecoming ceremony by her cousin, Anthony Lewis, 17, because her regular escort — quarterback Ty Cook — had to participate in pre-game warm-ups and drills with the team.
The 5-foot, 4-inch, 140-pound kicker demonstrated her dedication in the moments after she was crowned when she cut short an interview with reporters.
“I'm really excited and happy, but I've really got to get ready so I can get out there to play some football,” she said as she darted off to the locker room.
Lewis' quick-change routine typically involves dressing in her majorette uniform to perform in the marching band's pre-game show.
She then heads to the locker room to suit up in her football uniform, leaving her majorette uniform on underneath.
As halftime approaches, she peels off her jersey and pads to perform again. At the conclusion of the show, Lewis suits up again and gets her mind back in the game.
While Lewis' dual role has received a considerable amount of attention, she credits her teammates with helping to achieve her goals.
“I felt confident that I could play on the boys football team, but I was nervous about being hassled and not being accepted,” she said. “But they really stood behind me and gave me a lot of help and encouragement. I couldn't have done it without them.”
Juggling varsity football and band in one evening might seem like plenty to keep Lewis busy, but she was already on the run long before meeting up with her band mates at the corner of 7th Street and Monongahela Avenue in Glassport to participate in the homecoming parade into the stadium.
“I had a soccer game today,” said Lewis, who in addition to playing on the girls varsity team is the president of student council. “We beat Seton-La Salle 8-0. I scored two goals.”
Lewis said she plans to attend Point Park University, Downtown, in the fall to study public relations or psychology.
High School Principal Jeff Solomon said Lewis has demonstrated exceptional qualities.
“She's a student who comes along once in a lifetime,” Solomon said. “She's a role model, especially for our middle school female athletes. She's their local hero.”
Tony LaRussa is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 412-320-7987 or tlarussa@tribweb.com.
