El Modena to Honor Coach Bob Lester on October 16
The school will hold a special tribute for the late Hall of Fame coach during their homecoming game.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Football
El Modena High School will host a tribute for legendary football coach Bob Lester at Fred Kelly Stadium on October 16, 2026. Alumni who played for the coach are invited to gather at the 50-yard line before the homecoming kickoff against Troy.
Why it matters
The ceremony honors the long-standing legacy of a coach who defined the Vanguards program for two decades. It serves as a final recognition of his contributions to the school following his death in September.
Bob Lester concluded his coaching career at El Modena with a record of 157-58-8, including three CIF-SS championships. He served the school for 19 years before his death at age 96.
The players
Bob Lester
He was a long-time El Modena High School football coach and a Marine Corps veteran of the Korean War who earned a Purple Heart.
El Modena High School
This is a public high school located in Orange that maintains a highly competitive football program.
CIF-SS
The California Interscholastic Federation-Southern Section is the governing body for high school sports in the region.
The details
Former players are asked to participate in a pre-game ceremony at the 50-yard line at Fred Kelly Stadium. This event follows a previously held memorial video and moment of silence observed at the school on September 25.
Timeline
Lester coached the El Modena Vanguards from 1966 to 1985.
Bob Lester died on September 16, 2026.
An initial tribute was held on September 25, 2026.
The homecoming game tribute takes place on October 16, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This tribute brings a sense of historical continuity to the current Vanguards football season by bridging the gap between past championship eras and current athletes. It sets a somber but celebratory tone for the homecoming matchup against Troy.
Alumni planning to attend should arrive early to clear the field before the 7 p.m. kickoff. Attendees should be prepared for potential congestion at Fred Kelly Stadium due to the scheduled pre-game tribute ceremony.
The takeaway
Honoring historical figures in high school sports helps maintain community identity and institutional memory across generations. Participants should check the school website for specific gate instructions and arrival times for the homecoming ceremony.
Further reading
For more news regarding local athletics, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Orange County Register.
