Jess Lewis, born on July 28, 1947, is an American former amateur wrestler and professional football player. His accomplishments in both sports have made him a notable figure in American athletics.
Early Life and Wrestling Career
Lewis wrestled for Oregon State, winning three conference titles (1968-70), making All-American three times (1968-70), and winning the NCAA title in 1969-70 as a heavyweight. He competed at the 1966 World Championships and the 1968 Universiade. His wrestling career is highlighted by:
- Three-time NCAA Division I finalist and All-American at heavyweight for Oregon State University.
- Two-time NCAA Division I champion - 1969 and 1970.
- Career record of 76-1 with 50 falls, leading him to accumulate a 97.8% winning percentage, that ranks him as the all-time winningest wrestler in Oregon State University Wrestling history.
- Only college loss was 5-4 to two-time national champion Dave Porter in the NCAA Division I finals in 1968.
- Competed at 213.5 lbs. in freestyle at the World Championships in 1966 as freshman in college.
- Finished sixth at 213.5 pounds in freestyle at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City.
- AAU national champion in freestyle in 1968 and in Greco-Roman in 1969.
- Competed in World University Games in 1968.
- Three-time Oregon state high school wrestling champion.
- Selected to the Pac-12 Conference All-Century Wrestling First Team.
His achievements earned him induction into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame in 1981.
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Football Career
Lewis also excelled in football at Oregon State, where he was an NCAA All-American as a defensive tackle in 1967 and a two-time All-Pac-8 Conference selection. He was drafted by the Houston Oilers in 1970 and spent a year in the NFL on the taxi squad, but never got to play.
- NCAA All-American as a defensive tackle in football for Oregon State in 1967.
- Played professional football in the NFL for the Houston Oilers.
Challenges and Recovery
Lewis developed problems with drug use. He and his second wife, Vickie, who also had addiction problems, lived on a family farm in Aumsville, Oregon but they were kicked off the farm by family because of their drug use. They lived in the woods for a few years, where Lewis scratched out a living clearing trees with a chainsaw. In the early 1990s both entered a drug treatment program which saved both their lives. Lewis returned to Oregon State, where for over 20 years he was the athletic grounds maintenance supervisor.
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Legacy
Lewis's career is a testament to his athletic prowess and resilience. His contributions to wrestling and football at Oregon State, along with his personal journey of recovery, make him an inspiring figure.
Achievements Summary
| Category | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Wrestling | Two-time NCAA Division I Champion (1969, 1970) |
| Wrestling | Three-time All-American (1968-1970) |
| Football | NCAA All-American (1967) |
| Football | Two-time All-Pac-8 Conference selection |
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