Summers at the Lester Farm
In the summer of 2022, the entire team came to our farm for a few days of pure fun. The players rode ATVs and Jet Skis, went wake surfing, played cards and golf, and ate like kings. There is something about being at the farm; players bonded, coaches let down their hair, and an atmosphere of brotherhood and joy prevailed. After visiting the farm, we all traveled north to visit Drummond Island.
We loved having the players at the farm. When Jim Harbaugh draped the imaginary whistle around my neck and said, “Matt, you’re in charge,” I took my responsibility very seriously.
The players never got bored at the farm. If they weren’t riding ATVs or Jet Skiing, they were hitting golf balls, playing spikeball, or battling it out in a paintball tournament.
My son, Asa, and my daughter Elliah grew up spending summers at the farm and were on hand during some of the team visits. Asa played cornhole and other lawn games with the players, and Elliah tirelessly piloted the ski boat around Lake Charlevoix so the players could go tubing, water skiing or wake surfing. My family helped set a joyful vibe for these gatherings.
In the summer of 2023, J.J. McCarthy called and asked if he could bring his offensive unit to the Lester Farm for a retreat. I immediately agreed and so did Jim Harbaugh. J.J. brought about thirty players with him, including tight end Marlin Klein, standing behind J.J. The players would later credit their time at the farm as one reason they enjoyed such success and brotherhood during their march to the national title.
