High school champion, college All-American in two sports, Olympian, "Giant Killer" and NFL player. Jess Lewis (born Jul. 28, 1947) made a lasting impression on Oregon through his wrestling and football accomplishments.
Born in Aumsville, Lewis grew up on a farm and won three state wrestling titles (1963-65) at Cascade High School. At OSU, he wrestled under coach Dale Thomas and played football under coach Dee Andros. Lewis became a state hero in 1967 as a 20-year-old sophomore when he helped the OSU football team beat No. 1 Southern California and No. 2 Purdue. The Beavers finished the season ranked No. 7 in the nation, and he earned All-America honors as a defensive tackle.
On the mat, Jess won his first Pac-8 wrestling title, and reached the NCAA final at heavyweight, when he suffered the only loss of this collegiate career. In spring, he qualified for the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. He tied for sixth from among 15 competitors in the Freestyle tournament at light heavyweight.
Lewis won NCAA heavyweight wrestling titles as a junior and senior. His career record was 76-1 as a wrestler in his three seasons and helped the Beavers finish third in the NCAA tournament in 1969 and 1970.
After being named OSU's football MVP following the 1969 season, the Houston Oilers selected Lewis in the 13th round of the 1970 NFL Draft and turned him into a linebacker. He played one season in the league.
Jess returned to Oregon State later in life serving as a commentator on wrestling broadcasts and utilized his farm upbringing, leading the OSU grounds crew.
Lewis was one of 15 nominees for the NCAA 75th Anniversary Team in 2005.