Claremore’s all time winningest football coach.
Biography
Lester “Bear” Jensen was born on September 29, 1924 in Weaubleau, MO to Loren and Veda Jensen. Bear graduated from Norman High School in 1945. During his time at Norman High, he played for the 1943 football state championship team, the 1945 basketball state championship team, was selected for the All-State football team, and played in the 1945 Oklahoma – Texas Oil Bowl game. Following his high school graduation, Bear played football for the University of Oklahoma, earning All Big Six guard.
The 1947 season took him to Ada, OK where he played for the East Central Tigers. It was during this time that Bear met the love of his life, Hazel Massey, while taking a Physical Education class. They married June 12, 1948. After college, Bear followed his lifelong dream, and became an educator and football coach. He coached one year at East Central University, and then went to Davis High School where he led his team to the state championship game. Following his tenure at Davis, Bear and his family moved to Pauls Valley where he coached for two years. In 1954, he went to Claremore High School and became the winningest coach in Claremore history, a title he still holds. In 1964, Bear moved his family to Cameron University where he led the Aggies to a number one national ranking and a berth to the Junior Rose Bowl. He helped transition Cameron to a four-year college where they played in two additional bowl games.
Bear was inducted into the Oklahoma Coaches Association Hall of Fame, the East Central University Hall of Fame, the Cameron University Hall of Fame, and the Claremore High School Hall of Fame. Upon retirement, Bear and Hazel made their home in Norman, OK to be closer to their family.