Clear Lake names new head coaches

(Above) Mike Lester (right) will replace Gary Weber (left) as head coach of the Clear Lake High School wrestling program.  -Reporter file photo

A fixture within the Clear Lake High School wrestling program has been chosen to replace retiring Head Coach Gary Weber.

Mike Lester, a 1999 state champion for Clear Lake, who eventually returned to his alma mater to teach and coach,  has been named as the new Head Lion, pending School Board approval.

“(Gary) Weber has been an amazing coach and I am excited for the opportunity to be in the head coach position,” said Lester.  “I’ve had the privilege of working with some great coaches and programs,” he added, noting he spent two years as a assistant under Hall of Fame Coach Bob Kenny at Emmetsburg before taking over that program.  He came to Clear Lake in 2008 to teach industrial arts and serve as assistant wrestling coach.  He has also coached freshman football.

He was a State wrestling champion and a three-time All-American in college.

Lester said he will remain involved with the football program, but will switch his coaching duties from ninth grade to seventh grade to give himself and his family a little break between the fall and winter sports seasons.

“I am very excited to keep our wrestling tradition going at Clear Lake,” added Lester.  In addition to the high school program, he said he intends to continue to support the Mighty Lions and Parks and Recreation Department’s youth wrestling programs. “We need to make wrestling fun and continue to keep the number of kids involved in wrestling high.

“I am super happy that Mike decided to take over as head wrestling coach,” said Coach Weber, who is stepping down after 34 years as head coach.  “Mike has a plethora of knowledge in the sport of wrestling. More importantly than his wrestling, he is a great example for our students.  He is a high character person who will also model to students a  great work ethic, goal setting and teamwork.”