Softball Tournament to Honor Late Woodbury Youth Football Coach Jesse Lusk

Article by Mike Schoemer

Players and family will remember him with the type of tournament he would have loved.

Jesse Lusk, a middle school football coach and member of Woodbury High School’s 1998 state championship team, died suddenly on July 26, 2013, while playing softball. He was 32.

This weekend, friends and family will take to area softball diamonds to remember the man who was loved by so many, and loved the sport.

The inaugural Jesse Lusk Tournament will be a one-day event this Saturday, Aug. 3, at Erickson Park in Rosemount. 

All teams—male, female, co-ed—are invited to participate. It will be a fun tournament with all proceeds going to his girlfriend Rachel and their kids, according to organizers.

The slider squad food truck will provide concessions and will be contributing all revenue. 

The entry fee is $125.

Those who are interested call Pat Rourke at 612-702-3862 or B-52 Burgers and Brew at 651-451-3838.

In addition, a fundraiser for Lusk’s girlfriend and children will be held on Sunday, Sept. 29, featuring Tim Sigler at B-52. For donations or questions, call the restaurant. More details will follow.

Lusk, who was born in Mendota Heights, was a regular bartender at B-52s. He played softball regularly in the south metro, and was most recently involved in leagues in Woodbury.

As a coach, Lusk was always committed to helping youngsters succeed, and not just on the field, said Woodbury High School football coach Andy Hill.

“He was also a positive mentor to the kids,” he said.

Hill said he would remember Lusk’s personality and goofy sense of humor, and the passion and excitement he brought to everything he did.

Lusk is survived by girlfriend Rachel, son Landon, and unborn daughter Jesse. 

• • • •

For updates and other information about the community, join us on Patch, Like us on Facebook and follow Woodbury on Twitter.