Lewiston: A Resilient Community Embracing its Vibrance

Amy Bass, a professor of sport studies at Manhattanville College and author of "One Goal: A Coach, a Team, and the Game That Brought a Divided Town Together" and "Not the Triumph but the Struggle: The 1968 Olympics and the Making of the Black Athlete," among other titles, expresses her thoughts about Lewiston, Maine, throughout the day on Wednesday. The Lewiston High School boys soccer team, also known as the Blue Devils, is the focal point of her book "One Goal." Unfortunately, she cannot be present for their 5pm quarterfinal game against Farmingtons Mt. Blue at Lewiston's Don Roux field. Instead, she relies on the play-by-play results provided by the schools athletic director, Jason Fuller, through X (formerly Twitter).

Amy Bass

Rodney Bedsole had no inkling of the events that would unfold later that night - a horrifying series of mass shootings at a nearby restaurant and bowling alley that claimed the lives of at least 18 individuals and left over a dozen injured. It was impossible to predict the tragedy that lay ahead. Earlier in the day, Rodney's main source of concern was the upcoming game, anxiously reflecting on the team's recent loss in Maine where they had seldom faltered - a team that had just been ranked 14th in the nation.

Lewiston, the second most populous city in Maine, has had its fair share of challenges but has persevered in finding its identity. Once known as "Spindle City," it thrived as a textile hub and attracted French-speaking Canadian immigrants. Today, it embraces diversity with the influx of Somali immigrants, creating a global landscape while preserving its unique Quebecois culture.

In essence, Lewiston is a resilient city that blends its hockey tradition with a growing soccer presence. It values the importance of community and recognizes the efforts required to transform a city into a place called home.

Dan Gish oversees a huddle while players' mothers and sisters huddle in the background in 2016.

I visited my alma mater, Bates College, for a short residency in town. The main purpose of my trip was to attend the high school soccer game between Lewiston and Edward Little, known as the "Battle of the Bridge." Edward Little is located in Auburn, which is just across the Androscoggin River from Lewiston. Auburn is part of Maine's twin cities, situated southwest of Portland.

Despite the contrary predictions, it rained heavily in New England, a region notorious for not paying much attention to weather forecasts. However, I found myself in the company of Mike McGraw, the retired coach of Lewiston soccer team, who had led them to their first state championship title in 2015. It was a remarkable achievement considering almost all the starters were African refugees.

We ascended to the top of the bleachers, where McGraw kindly wiped a spot dry on his coat for me. Engrossed in the passionate and action-packed game between the two rival teams, it was evident that the players were intimately familiar with each other. The fluidity of the soccer matches transcended the boundaries of high school life, surpassing mascots and colors.

Unfortunately, Lewiston ended up losing the match. Nevertheless, it was a delightful evening filled with reunions with former players and friends who had come to support the team. They were there to show their solidarity with Dan Gish, the current head coach who took over from McGraw a few years back. The evening concluded with a few pitchers of beer at the Blue Goose, a renowned establishment in downtown Lewiston where McGraw has been a fixture since his 21st birthday in 1970.

Dan Gish wraps his arm around a player at a quarterfinal game in 2016.

On Wednesday, the game unfolded in a unique manner. In a gripping match played against the backdrop of a breathtaking cotton candy sky, neither team managed to score. As time ran out in regulation, the game headed into overtime. It was during this crucial period that Mohammed Gabow brilliantly connected with captain Obed Antonio's corner kick, securing a crucial 1-0 victory for the Blue Devils. With this triumph in hand, they secured a spot in the semifinals. This upcoming home game is scheduled for this Saturday at 2pm.

The feeling of satisfaction quickly dissipated when reports of a shooting rampage in Lewiston started to circulate.

"It was a sudden shift from celebrating our playoff victory to realizing what truly holds importance in life," Gish shared with me on Thursday morning. "My wife, who works as the principal at Geiger Elementary School in Lewiston, called me on her way back from parent-teacher conferences. She was immediately stopped by a police officer and instructed to leave the area urgently. Initially, I had plans to attend the rest of the Edward Little game, but instead, I rushed home to be with my family. I made sure to check on my mother and then reached out to my team captains and coaches to ensure their safety."

Edward Littles quarterfinal game against Topshams Mount Ararat High School, which was tied 2-2, was halted before overtime could commence. County officials implemented shelter-in-place and lockdown orders, resulting in everyone being sent home.

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"The passing of time reveals the profound connections we share with those who have tragically lost their lives," expressed Gish. "I yearn to reunite with my soccer family, embracing them tightly, and assuring them that everything will eventually be fine. We possess immense motivation to persevere."

Therefore, amidst the sorrowful darkness, Lewiston must discover its guiding light, even as Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert sends her prayers to the misspelled "Lewistown" and discussions pertaining to guns, the NRA, and legislation unfold without yielding significant results. We are all familiar with towns like Lewiston, where individuals are interconnected, be it through soccer or other means. As my social media feeds transitioned from individuals affirming their safety to others desperately seeking information about their missing loved ones, I turned to McGraw, who always provides the poignant final remarks regarding the unity of the community.

"Ive read more than several posts from people that say that Lewiston is a good place to live," he said. "The city is strong. People are looking out for each other."

Go ya Big Blue.