Lyle Pugh started his coaching career at Oakesdale High School in 1951 and coached football, wrestling and tennis until 1958.

He had the opportunity to be Hall of Famer Eric Beardsley's assistant coach for four years at Moses Lake High School and took over the head job while Beardsley worked on his master's degree for one year.

Lyle then moved to Spokane in 1958 to start the wrestling and gymnastics programs at Shadle Park High School.

During his 37 years of coaching 60 of his wrestlers qualified for the state championships and 11 placed in the top four at the state tournament.

His teams won four league and five district championships and placed third and fourth at the state tournament.

He is also a member of the Inland Northwest Sports Hall of Fame, Washington Gymnastics Coaches Hall of Fame, and the Washington Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame.

Pugh grew up and graduated high school in Spokane before serving in the United States Navy. He received his teaching degree from Washington State University and was a member of the school's first tumbling and trampoline team which later became gymnastics.