Jerry Lane is recognized for his years of dedication to the development of leadership and citizenship in young people through the sport of wrestling.

He began his wrestling coaching career in 1960 in the Jefferson County Public School system in Colorado. In 1963 he moved to Salem, Oregon and was an assistant coach for two years at North Salem High School.

Jerry moved to McNary High School in 1965 where he started the wrestling program and coached until his retirement in 1996.

McNary sent its first wrestlers to state in 1968 and had a season record of 21-0 and their first state champion in 1974.

In 1975, McNary became the one and only Salem-Keizer School District high school to win a state wrestling championship.

Over 30 years, Lane also led McNary to six district championships and four conference titles while coaching seven individual state champions, 58 district champions and 37 state place-winners.