Athletic Hall of Fame
On Saturday, June 1 2019, Bill Lee was inducted into the Brewster Athletic Hall of Fame.
Athletic Director Matt Lawlor introduced long-time coach and honoree Bill Lee by referencing his remarkable impact in the Brewster community observing that “school events have never been the same since Bill left!” He was a pioneer in Abenaki lacrosse in Wolfeboro, led Kingswood High School to a football championship, started the boys high school lacrosse team and luckily came to Brewster and led a dominant lacrosse program here for 13 seasons and 154 wins.
Before Coach Lee reflected on his thirteen years of stories, he thanked Craig Gemmell and others for the honor and was humbled by the other honorees. He was happy to see the program remained strong and encouraged Coach Ouelett and Skelley to “keep the train rolling.” Bill shared that he had six framed photos in his admission office at Loomis Chaffee that represented his path as a lacrosse coach. From the beginning days of Abenaki lacrosse, a photo of the U-14 team (with him missing from the picture) told a story of a small town that had a passion for “this unique game.” Next was a photo of his first team at Brewster filled with guys that loved the game and were dedicated to getting better. Their success was about average but they worked as hard as any team that won championships at Brewster. Bill chuckled and began to sing a line from “Oh Canada” as he spoke about the five Canadian players that brought a new world of lacrosse to Wolfeboro and changed the face of Brewster lacrosse. The level of talent was, at times, unbelievable and caused players on the sideline to take images during games (which he acknowledged was at times worthy! The fifth photo included Ryder Garnsey ‘14 in his Notre Dame uniform. Bill acknowledged that he knew there was something special about this kid at an early age. “His force was strong, and he was honored to coach one of the most dynamic players ever.” The final photo reference caused a brief moment of pause for Coach Lee. It was a picture of a balding Nate Billings ‘09 with the largest and most genuine smile imaginable. Nate played goalie for 4 years and battled cancer in his final year. Diagnosed in the fall, he quietly and humbly fought it and actually started in goal that Spring.” It is the way we rise up and face challenges that defines us. Nate is one of my heroes, and I hope that the legacy of the Nate Billings Classic sticks around.” Bill described that it was ultimately “a privilege to share the love of the game with many players, coaches and fans over the years -- most here on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee.”
