Archbishop Stepinac High School announced the passing of wrestling coach Rick Lee. Lee had served as the White Plains school’s coach for 17 years and had been a fixture in the wrestling community at the school and throughout the region.

 

A retired and decorated White Plains police officer, Lee served the City of White Plains with honor and distinction before transitioning to coaching. In 2009, he restarted the Stepinac wrestling program with just seven student-athletes, entering the Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) League. Through his dedication and leadership, the program experienced significant growth, eventually boasting over 40 wrestlers at its peak.

 

Lee was a respected figure in the wrestling community, not only at Stepinac but throughout the region. He spent considerable time around the sport — attending tournaments, supporting other local programs, and mentoring young athletes, even when he wasn’t actively coaching.

 

During his tenure at Stepinac, Lee led many individuals and teams to top finishes in both CHSAA City and State competitions. His impact extended beyond victories to the lives he influenced through his mentorship and support.

 

“As a true testament to his work & friendships, many of Coach Lee’s former wrestlers & coaches have been reaching out & talked about how he molded them & the impact he had on them to lead to them being successful adults,” Archbishop Stepinac wrote in a post on its @stepinacsports Instagram account.

 

“Thank You Coach Lee on a job well done. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. Rest in peace, Coach,” the post said.