Ray Lewis Field becomes reality in Lakeland
February 19, 2005 - National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
Lakeland ThunderBolts News Release
LAKELAND, Fla. â One of the most recognizable National Football League All-Stars, linebacker Ray Lewis, has added his name to the roster of Lakeland ThunderBolts' supporters.
The seven-time Pro Bowl player will have his name emblazoned on the ThunderBolts' field as part of the âRay Lewis Foundation,' which is to provide personal and economic assistance to disadvantaged youth.
The "Ray Lewis Field" will be symbolic of the way the former Kathleen High School star of Lakeland (Florida) has provided leadership on and off the football field as a member of the Baltimore Ravens. Most of his enormous amount of charitable donations has gone unpublicized but now he wants to get the public involved in his "very righteous causes."
The Thunderbolts, members of the National Indoor Football League, will provide hundreds of game-day tickets to The Ray Lewis Foundation.
"This is the greatest day in ThunderBolts' franchise history," said an elated Del Martin, owner/general manager of the Lakeland club. "To not only name our field for this marvelous player, but to be part of his magnificent foundation, is quite an honor for us and the City of Lakeland."
The foundation was established to enhance the lives of todays at risk youth.
"Bringing the Foundation's energy to Lakeland, after many outstanding events for this non-profit organization in Baltimore, will be paramount to the needy youngsters of the area," said Anthony Pewonski, president of Centurion Sports Management. "It is befitting we recognize Mr. Lewis for his achievements and charity off the playing field."
Born in Bartow, Florida, Ray Lewis was one of the most honored high school players in the State of Florida. He went on to the University of Miami where he was a three-year starter before leaving the Hurricanes' program after his junior year for the NFL.
Not surprisingly, Ray Lewis will serve as a volunteer assistant coach for the ThunderBolts this season. He said he wants to give the young players direction and provide his knowledge of the game for their improvement.
"He will be a tremendous asset for our players and will give them an idea of what it takes to reach the level of an NFL player," said ThunderBolts' head coach Garrett Hagin. "We have a difficult 14-game schedule this season, and Ray can help us in many ways understand the professionalism of the sport."
Ray was the 26th selection overall in the first round of the NFL's 1996 draft by the Ravens.
He maintains a home in Lakeland, Florida.
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National Indoor Football League Stories from February 19, 2005
- Ray Lewis Field becomes reality in Lakeland - Lakeland ThunderBolts
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