NJC will honor former Plainsmen with “Black Out Night for Jeron” during their game against Western Nebraska C.C. on Jan. 27

During a game at Kentucky Wesleyan College on Jan. 14, former Northeastern Junior College student-athlete Jeron Lewis, who was playing for the University of Southern Indiana, died from an apparent head injury suffered in the contest. Lewis was only 21.

In a press release from Ben Blecha, sports announcer from KING-FM 104.7, NJC and the Sterling, Colo., community will honor Lewis, with proceeds raised going to his 1-month-old son, Jamel. Jeron said after his son was born, “I hated to be away from these guys, but it was a bit deal [to watch my son born], and I was glad I could be there for that.” Now, it is time for the NJC community to be there for Jeron.

So, on Jan. 27 when the Western Nebraska Community College men’s and women’s team invade the Bank of Colorado Events Center for a doubleheader, that night will be Jeron Lewis night. KING-FM, NJC Student Government, NJC Residence Life and several area businesses will be hosting a fundraiser for Jeron and his son, Jamel. All of the money raised during the “Black Out for Jeron” will be put into a college fund to ensure that Jeron Lewis’ son, Jamel, is afforded the same opportunity of education that Jeron was.

Jeron played just one season at Northeastern Junior College before transferring to the University of Southern Indian, but in that one year, he gave 110 percent on the court and in the classroom. He averaged 12 points and eight rebounds in 14 games this season as the team’s senior captain.

During his one year at NJC, Jeron was known as a rebounder. So, in turn, area individuals and businesses will also have the opportunity to donate $0.04 cents or more per rebound pulled down by NJC and WNCC during the men’s game on Jan. 27. All of the money donated will go directly into Jamel’s college fund.

Other fundraisers that NJC is planning during the night include Black T-shirts in honor of Jeron, which are on sale now for $12. These T-shirts will be available for order or purchase at upcoming home NJC games through Saturday, Jan. 23. To place your order outside of NJC games, contact Blecha at ben.blecha@gmail.com or call him at 970-522-1607 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Another event that night is being put on by Kizer Wireless, who will be cooking hot dogs from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. of the game. The hot dogs will be available for a donation of choosing with all profits going to Jamel’s college fund.

Jeron lost his life during USI’s game Thursday night against Kentucky Wesleyan. At approximately 9:05 p.m., Lewis lay motionless after his feet became tangled and he tumbled to the floor during their game. He laid prone with his hands outstretched above his head briefly as trainers from both teams ran to him. He then began convulsing as they tried to secure him. After the movement subsided, the 6-foot-8 Lewis was placed on a backboard and taken to Owensboro Medical Heath System by ambulance where he was pronounced dead at 9:52 p.m. USI finished out the game, winning 74-69 Lewis led both teams in rebounding on the night, finishing with nine. USI is 16-0 on the season. Then, 30 minutes after the game ended, the USI players and coaches were notified of Lewis’ passing.

The Daviess County (KY) Coroner Bob Howe made the announcement on Monday that Lewis died of natural causes and found no sign during the autopsy of head trauma, but discovered Lewis had some heart problems. Further tests will be need to be down.

Lewis played for NJC in 2007-08 and the Plainsmen fell to Eastern Wyoming College in the Region IX final in two overtimes.

For more information on “Black Out for Jeron,” please email Blecha at ben.blecha@gmail.com.