LOUIS CHERWAK

Lou Cherwak returned from Vietnam in 1967 as an amputee, and would continue his heroic deeds as man who blazed a trail for Michigan's disabled community. He established an international record while placing first in the wheelchair division of the Detroit Free Press Marathon in 1979. Cherwak captured a gold medal in the pentathlon at the 1981 National Wheelchair Athletic Association games, and won gold medals for swimming and the javelin in the 1981 International Sports Games for the Disabled. On the wheelchair basketball circuit, Cherwak joined an elite list of athletes to have claimed Division I and II national championships. He also coached the Detroit Raiders Track and Field Team to three consecutive state championships, and later proceeded to be a regular medallist at the National Veteran Wheelchair Games. Cherwak's list of community activities includes a stint as President and board member of the Michigan Wheelchair Athletic Association, and volunteer work for a variety of charitable groups.