Coach. During the 1940s and 1950s, the subject of high school football in Nebraska could not be discussed without a tip of the hat to the great Grand Island High School Coach Jerry Lee. A career of 25 years included a record of 101-23-5. The number of undefeated teams he coached at Grand Island was outstanding: 1947, 1948, 1953 and 1958. State championships with these fine teams included a span once of 28 consecutive games without a loss. He was selected as the North All-Star head coach in the first Shrine Bowl Game of 1959. In addition to his success on the gridiron, he was also a knowledgeable track coach. Wins alone do not tell the whole story. A former player of his stated, “His coaching went beyond the playing field. Because of his expertise, I was able to accomplish more than I had ever dreamed.”
