Boston University is mourning the loss of BU Hall of Famer Paul Lewis (CGS '83, SHA '86), who passed away suddenly last week at the age of 55.
 
Lewis was a two-time All-American running back for the Boston University football team and led the Terriers to three consecutive NCAA Division I-AA Tournament appearances. As a senior, Lewis was the recipient of the Mickey Cochrane Award as the University's Male Athlete of the Year.
 
Among his season and career marks are carries (339, 972), yards (1,603, 4,436), and points (128, 326). He also holds single game bests for carries (44) and points (30). His 223 rushing yards against Richmond in 1983 earned him the Sports Illustrated national collegiate Offensive Player of the Week honor.

As a sophomore in 1982, he led the nation in scoring with 108 points and was third in rushing with 1,316 yards. For his efforts, he was named Second-Team All-East, First-Team All-New England, and Yankee Conference, as well as a two time Conference Player of the Week selection.

He improved upon these performances as a junior, rushing for 1,603 yards, which again placed him third nationally, while his 138 points ranked second in the nation. In recognition of his outstanding play, he was named First Team AP All-America and First Team Coaches All-America, as well as First Team All-East, New England, and Conference. 

As a senior, Lewis ran for 1,316 yards, scored 11 TDs, threw a pair of touchdown passes and captained the club to a 9-3 overall mark and its third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. For the second straight year, he was named First Team All-America by both the Coaches and AP, becoming the first Terrier to be so honored. He received the Mickey Cochrane Award as the University's Male Athlete of the Year, and the Harry Agganis Award as the Team MVP, and was selected to play in the Blue-Gray Senior All-Star football classic. 

At the time of his passing, Lewis worked as the director of the youth and police initiative at the North American Family Institute and was a resident of West Roxbury, Mass.

A service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 11 at the Greater Love Tabernacle Church in Dorchester. In addition to his wife, Andrea, of West Roxbury, and brother, Robert, of Boston, Mr. Lewis leaves a daughter, Nicole; two other brothers, Danny of Boston and John of Atlanta, Ga. and a sister, Linda Banks of Atlanta.
 
In lieu of Flowers, donations may be made in the memory of Paul to the Friends of the Lyndon attn: Sarah Parker 20 Mount Vernon St. West Roxbury, MA 02132 and also to the East Boston Social Centers attn: Wheel of Life Program 68 Central Square East Boston MA.
 

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Drew Marrochello, Boston University director of athletics
"The entire Boston University athletic community is saddened by the loss of Paul Lewis. Mr. Lewis was perhaps the greatest running back ever to carry the ball for the Terriers. He was a two-time First Team All-American, established a number of school records, led the Terriers to three consecutive NCAA Division I-AA Tournament appearances and as a senior received the Mickey Cochrane Award as the University's Male Athlete of the Year. But it was his life's work off the field, mentoring countless at-risk kids and dedicating his life to helping them succeed, for which he will be most remembered. His incredible accomplishments speak for themselves and he leaves a lasting legacy at BU."

Billy Brooks, (QST '86, Par SPH '18, SAR '18) Boston University Hall of Famer
"I am deeply saddened and shocked at the loss of our teammate and friend, Paul Lewis. Paul had a caring heart. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to help others. Paul was one of the few individuals at BU who helped me with the adjustment from being a high school student-athlete to a collegiate student-athlete and I will always be grateful to Paul for his help. My thoughts and prayers go out to Paul's family and friends."