Legendary MCPS Football Coach Roy Lester Dies At 96

ROCKVILLE, MD — Roy Lester, a legendary high school football coach who racked up seven Montgomery County championships, has died at the age of 96.

He was a 1949 graduate of West Virginia University, where he played three varsity sports: football, basketball, and baseball.

While in undergrad, Lester was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles to play for their farm team, the Paterson Panthers, according to WVU. He spent one year playing professional football before starting his coaching career.

His first area high school job was at Richard Montgomery, where he served as head football coach from 1959 to 1968. During Lester's tenure, the Rockets racked up an impressive 86 – 10 – 1 record and six undefeated seasons.

His teams were considered some of the best in the state. One of the most notable players in his program was Mike Curtis — the future linebacker who would lead the Baltimore Colts to victory in Super Bowl V. Curtis died last month at the age of 77.

To honor Lester and the football dynasty he created at Richard Montgomery, the high school named their stadium after him.

Very sad to announce the passing of RMs Legendary FB Coach, Roy Lester. 10 yrs as HC. 86-10 record. 6 undef. seasons and a nationally ranked team. The RM stadium is named after Coach Lester, he’s an RM Hall of Famer and The Greatest of All Time! #RocketPride #RMFBGoat
— Jon Freda (@RMRocketsAD) May 3, 2020

Following a stint at Richard Montgomery, Lester served as head football coach at the University of Maryland from 1969 to 1971.

A year later, Lester returned to coaching high school football. He first took over Paint Branch's young football program — turning the Panthers into state champions in 1975.

From 1979 to 1993, Lester was head coach at Magruder High School. The football team made it to the Class B State Championship in 1984 and the Class A State Championship in 1986.