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Thursday, April 1, 2010

Elk Grove Citizen : Keeping kids on track

Elk Grove Citizen : Feature Story

Keeping kids on track



Photos by Laura Bemis - Coach Julius Lewis watches students run during a Franklin High School track team practice.

Elk Grove officer coaches youth in sports and at the station

By Cameron Macdonald - Citizen News Editor
Published: Thursday, April 1, 2010 5:06 PM PDT
This spring, Julius Lewis spends most of his workweek coaching teenagers – at a high school’s track and field, an elementary school’s basketball court, and in the Elk Grove police station.

The Elk Grove police officer spends mornings and early afternoons counseling and educating juvenile offenders looking for a second chance.

And then it’s off to either Franklin High School or Joseph Sims Elementary School.

As the head coach of Franklin’s track team, Lewis coaches and handles the scheduling, grade checks, and other paperwork for more than 90 students. He also coaches children involved in the Elk Grove Police Activities League (PAL) basketball league.

“I think they’re really appreciative when they have somebody who pays attention to them and genuinely cares about them,” he said about working with youth. “I enjoy watching them when the light bulb goes off when you can tell they get it – whether it be on the track or in