Amy Lewandowski and Susan Rude are the inaugural honorees of the Judy Elder Spouse’s Award. This award, given by the John and Judy Elder Foundation, celebrates the memory of Judy Elder and recognizes the valuable role that wives play in the lives of their husband’s success coaching high school football in Illinois. Each of these women were nominated by their husbands.
Amy Lewandowski is the wife of Andrew High School head football coach, Adam Lewandowski. Her husband refers to her as his “guiding light” when it comes to his coaching, and recognizes that she is always there for the team, being “all-in, all the time.” She not only inspires her husband, but also their four children. She does all of this while helping to run their charitable nonprofit organization which their family created to make a positive impact on their community.
Mike Rude’s wife, Susan Rude, has been by his side for 57 years. Mike has coached at a number of schools, but has spent the majority of those at Sesser-Valier. Susan works outside the home for the VA and has been recognized as an authority on patient safety. Her husband says that she has always found ways to “make things work” even with his busy coaching schedule of multiple sports over the span of 55 years. She did all of this while also raising two boys.
Mike said, “I have had the career I have had because I was blessed with a woman who knew in high school what I wanted to do, and she has been there every year to see that I have been able to coach and have success.”
Amy and Susan will each be awarded $500 to use as they wish for themselves. In addition, the John and Judy Elder foundation will donate $500 to Embrace Emily in the Lewandowski family name, and $500 to Williamson County Child Advocacy Center in the Rude family name.
Judy Elder was a devoted wife of 67 years and number one fan of Hall of Fame Coach John K. Elder, Alexis High School. Throughout her life, she put her faith into action by lovingly raising her family of seven children, contributing to the community of Alexis, and cheering for John and his Cardinal teams. Judy passed away in January of 2024 after a brief illness.