Overview
E. Roy Lester (1923–2020) was an American football coach and former collegiate player whose career spanned high school and university programs. Born in Spencer, West Virginia, he became known for his long involvement in the American football community, both developing young players at the secondary school level and later leading a major college program.
Early life and playing career
Lester attended college after World War II and played football at West Virginia University from 1947 to 1949. His experience as a player during the postwar years informed his later emphasis on fundamentals, discipline and player development when he moved into coaching.
Coaching career
After leaving the playing field, Lester built a reputation as a coach at the high school level before moving into the collegiate ranks. He is often associated with Richard Montgomery High School, where he worked with adolescent athletes and school programs. He later served as head coach of the Maryland Terrapins football team, leading the program through a period of transition and contributing to the broader coaching legacy of the region.
- High school coaching: emphasized fundamentals and character-building.
- College coaching: guided student-athletes through academic and athletic challenges.
- Mentorship: remembered for mentorship of younger coaches and players.
Legacy and death
Lester is remembered as a figure who bridged high school and college football, shaping programs and influencing players across generations. His work exemplified mid-20th-century coaching values: attention to technique, conditioning and personal development. He died in Rockville, Maryland on May 3, 2020, during the global COVID-19 pandemic, at the age of 96. Obituaries and remembrances noted both his longevity and the impact he had on communities where he coached.