10/09/2026
MABC is sad to hear of the passing of legendary Coach Gil Rector. We extend our deepest condolences to Jennifer and the rest of the Rector family, to friends, athletes, students and the Lexington community. Coach Rector exemplified what it means to be a Minuteman every day. His leadership, teamwork, sportsmanship, accountability, and unwavering dedication to the Red and Blue were an inspiration to all who knew him.
This evening happens to be the annual Coaches Cup game, which was inspired by the rivalry and bond between Coach Rector and Carrollton's Coach Kee. Their relationship was a powerful reminder of what the game is truly about. Coach Kee passed earlier this year. We're sure they will be watching the game together tonight. Their legacies will live on every time an athlete takes the field.
Rest in peace Coach Rector. Lexington will miss you greatly. Your legacy will live on for generations to come. Once a Minuteman, always a Minuteman💙❤️💙❤️💙❤️💙❤️💙❤️💙❤️💙❤️💙❤️💙❤️
2016 Minutemen Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee
Coach Gil Rector
Gil Rector was the Minutemen head football coach for 31 seasons and compiled a record of 231-88-4. He was also an assistant track, wrestling, and basketball coach. His teams won 10 MRVC championships, 13 district championships, and were state champions in 1976, 1980, 1984, 1988, and 1995. His teams had a playoff record of 22-8.
He was the Missouri State Football Coach of the Year in 1976, 1980, and 1984, received a National High School Coaches Association Regional Award, and received the KMZU Radio Coach of the Year three times. He entered the Missouri Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 1993, the Higginsville High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014, the Greater Kansas City Coaches Hall of Fame in 2015 and received the Paul Martel Outstanding Service Award in 2015. He was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2003.
He was the Lexington school district’s Teacher of the Year in 1994. The football field at the high school was named Gil Rector Stadium in 1997.
He was the Northern Commissioner of Lafayette County for 16 years.