January 14, 2017

ITCCCA Clinic - The enshrinement and acceptance speech for Lester Hampton to the ITCCCA Coaches Hall of Fame. Lester was unable to attend. Former Springfield Lanphier teammate Mike Bailey accepted on his behalf.

Lester Hampton has served at Normal University High School for 29 years as head Boys and Girls Cross Country Coach as well as the Boys Track & Field Coach. A former school record holder in the 800 Meter Run at Illinois State University, he has coached  his teams to remarkable 10 IHSA State trophies including two State championships. He has coached athletes to All-State honors 78 times. Four individuals and one relay team have won State titles and set two State records. Lester's team have won 20 Sectional Championships and 30 Regional titles.

"It is quite apparent that Lester cares about every single one of his athletes. He is able to motivate his runners to care about each other and for parents to pour their hearts into cheering for the entire team."