Football, Class of 2008

Lester McKnight was the center and co-captain on the 1940 Santa Ana College football team that went undefeated and won the National Junior College Championship. McKnight was an all-conference selection and a member of Bill Cook's all-time team. 

He later transferred to the University of San Francisco where he started at center for two years. After graduating, McKnight was commissioned in the Navy where he skippered a P.T. boat during WWII and participated in the D-Day invasion. 

After the war, McKnight completed his education at the University of Southern California and later began his teaching and coaching career at Santa Ana High School . He coached both football and basketball and led the basketball team to conference championships in 1947, 1948 and 1950. After retiring from coaching, he became the Coordinator of Physical Education of theSanta Ana Unified School District . He also officiated many basketball and football games over the years as an active member of the Orange County Official's Association. 

Upon retiring from education, McKnight and his wife Juanita moved to Montana where they enjoyed fishing, hunting and playing golf. They later returned to California to be closer to their children and grandchildren.