Don Lear Sr.

Don Lear Sr. was born March 1st, 1935 in Hatboro, PA and attended Hatboro- Horsham High School. After high school, Don graduated from the University of North Carolina and was a member of the 1954, 1955, and 1956 Tar Heel football teams. He averaged 4.3 yards per carry as fullback in 1956. After college, Lear went on to work as an assistant coach at Middle Tennessee State University, Eastern Kentucky University, Columbia University, and the University of North Carolina. Additionally, before making the leapt to a long and storied career in high school football, Lear served as the head coach at Southwestern, now known as Rhodes College. 

Coach Lear, as he was known to all, was one of the most revered and distinguished high school football coaches in the Memphis area. Lear coached at Catholic High, leading the 1983 team to a Class A state championship. After his successful tenure at Catholic High, Coach Lear was invited to build the football program at the newly purchased St. Benedict at Auburndale. Lear presided over the “golden age” of Eagle football, advancing to post season action for six out of the ten year he served as head coach. He was named Best of the Preps coach of the year in 1994 and guided the Eagles to a state runner-up finish in 1996. IN 1998, Coach Lear received the TSSAA Distinguished Service Award in recognition for the length of his service, accomplishments, and contributions to athletics at both the local and state levels. Additional honors from his storied career included being honored by the AutoZone Liberty Bowl. Through it all, Coach Lear was accompanied by longtime Assistant Coach and Friend, the equally legendary Coach Harry Riker. 

Lear retired from coaching in 1998 after over 40 years of college and high school athletic positions. He ended his career with 132 victories and remained at St. Benedict, serving as Dean of Students until retiring in 2013. 

Off the field, Don was married to his loving wife Judy for 56 years and together had two children, Dana and Donny Jr. The Lears also have four grandchildren: Natalie, Jake, Nathan and Garrett. Former player Danny Shivers, Class of ’95, will now say a few words on the Lear Family’s behalf.