Jeff Lester was the 1984 wrestling state champion at 98 lbs from Lebanon High School. Jeff was a ferocious competitor on the mat, but he is being recognized for his contribution to the sport since he finished competing.

Jeff started his coaching career in 1992 when he took over the head coaching position at Lebanon High School and stayed for four years before moving to Tullahoma, where he’s been since 1996. Jeff has been the head coach several times but never needed the spotlight. He voluntarily stepped aside when the opportunity came along to attract top coaching talent because helping his team and his wrestlers gain a title was always more important than his coaching title.

Jeff hasn’t changed much since he started all those years ago. He still can be seen wrestling each match from the corner coaching position or team bench. And he still can’t sit still in the coaching corner…or even in the chair itself. He has reached an understanding with the referees in the area. It is technically against the rules not to be seated on the corner chair and one day Jeff told a referee that he’d just have to throw him out because Jeff was unable to stay seated. The referees respect Jeff’s talent and passion as a coach…just as they did when he was tearing through his competition on the mat.

Jeff has coached many state champions and had many Regional championship teams. He’s also a father to two girls and one boy and a husband to Jennifer. Lebanon, Tullahoma...and all of Tennessee can be proud of Jeff Lester!