Ernie was a three-sport standout in high school. He earned 10 varsity letters: 4 in baseball, 3 in football, and 3 in basketball. He earned All-League honors in all three sports and was named All-City in both baseball and basketball. He was Honorable Mention All-City in football. Ernie also was recognized as All-State in both baseball and basketball in his senior year of 1955.  

Lees is a charter member of the Parma Senior High School Athletic Hall of Fame, inducted in 2007.