TOP PHOTO: Will Lester (left) is a man for all seasons. At Brown Gym on Tuesday afternoon, he signed scholarship papers with Union College to play football, and then he helped lead his Campbell basketball team to a win over Carter Tuesday night. He caught up with WLAF’s Jim Freeman after the game.

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – Will Lester’s past, current and future coaches attended his Tuesday signing day at Brown Gym at Campbell High. The Price twins, Ernie Mac Clawson and James Donahue were on hand with all knowing what Lester’s meant to Campbell County and will mean to Union College.

Lester signed scholarship papers and will continue his stellar football career as a Bulldog for Union at Barbourville come next football season. “My challenge to Will is for him to go to Union and lead,” said Campbell Head Football Coach Justin Price. “Our younger players have been able to experience what it takes to be where Will is today; his work ethic, dedication and leadership. His teammates are a part of his story,” added Price.

Coaches Justin and Matt Price have coached Lester all four years on the football field while Coach Clawson has been Lester’s coach on the hardwood since his arrival Lester’s sophomore year.

“It’s been an honor to coach Will. You could not ask for a better work ethic, and he’s a leader. He also leads team prayer and stands up for God,” said Coach Clawson. “He’s a great sports person and a great person, and I wish you the best, Will,” said the third year head coach.

“He’s a dandy, and we’re really glad to get him,” said a beaming James Donahue. Donahue is Union’s Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator and expressed how impressed he and the other Bulldog coaches are with Lester’s team leadership, great accomplishments and the fact that he tackles everything that moves. “He’s a big, strong, physical player, and will see a lot of playing time,” said Donahue.

Donahue feels strongly Lester can help the Bulldogs right away. The veteran coach said Union looks for players who come from successful programs like Campbell, and Lester is a good fit. “He’ll be near home, can play on Saturdays and be home for church and momma’s cooking on Sunday,” said Donahue.

“We can’t ask for a better representative than Will,” said Matt Price. Price wears many hats at Campbell as associate head football coach and director of athletics. However, as the Cougars defensive coordinator, he’s seen first hand the work ethic and leadership of Lester these past four years. “He’ll represent us well in academics and athletics, and we could not ask for a better person,” said Price.

Now it’s up to Lester to work toward leaving Union with a similar legacy he’s left at Campbell. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 02/08/2023-6AM)

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