Background:

Less Gutches was born in Medford in 1973. He began wrestling at the age of 7 and won 3 state titles (171, 178, and 190 LBS) at South Medford from 1989-1991. Each year he won USA wrestling title as well. He was FILA Junior World Free Style Champion in 1991. Attending Oregon State, he was a three time All-American. He won NCAA titles in ’95 and ’96. Less wrestled in the 1996 Olympics, placing 7^th. Gutches was an assistant coach for the Beavers for 8 years, before becoming a commercial lender to Citizens Bank in Corvallis. Les is currently working as the national director of program development for USA Wrestling.

Les is currently living in Colorado Springs and works for USA Wrestling. He is working nationally at the grassroots level to further the opportunities in youth wrestling. He believed this is a position where he can have an impact on the sport on a daily basis.

Accomplishments:

• 3x State Champion at south Medford. FILA Junior World Freestyle Champion 1991
• 3x NCAA D1 All-American as OSU
• 2x National Champion
• Outstanding wrestler at NCAA tournament senior year.
• Hodge Award winner (Nations Outstanding Wrestler at NCAA D1 level
• Olympic wrestler 1996 Olympics (&7^th)
• Only wrestler to win Nation titles in every USA wresting age group
• World Champion in freestyle wrestling in 1997, bronze medal in 1998
• USA team member 1996-1999
• 5x US Open Champion 1998, Pan-Am Games Champion 1999
• National Wrestling Hall of Fame Distinguished Member
• Oregon Sports Hall of Fame member
• Oregon State University Sports Hall of Fame Member
• Sullivan Award Finalist
• 3x NWCA First team Academic All-American