Beyond the FieldA conversation with Les Gutches, ’97.

Wrestling is one of the toughest sports in college athletics and Les Gutches is one of its most relentless competitors.

In this episode of Beyond the Field, host David Endres, ’82, sits down with Medford native and Beaver legend Les Gutches as he reflects on a career built on discipline, preparation and an uncompromising standard of excellence.

Gutches recounts his journey from youth wrestling in Southern Oregon to becoming a two-time NCAA champion, Dan Hodge Trophy winner, World Champion and Olympic Team member. He offers an inside look at the mental and physical demands of wrestling, the grind of training through exhaustion and the mindset required to succeed when there’s no one to rely on but yourself.

The conversation also explores Oregon State’s storied wrestling tradition, the coaches and mentors who shaped him. Gutches shares how his collegiate career prepared him for the international stage where he captured World Championship gold and competed among the world’s best.

Beyond the Field is hosted by David Endres, ’82, produced by Travis Stanford and edited by Eric Gleske.

The Oregon Stater is the flagship publication of the Oregon State University Alumni Association, produced in collaboration with the Oregon State University Foundation and Oregon State University.

Beyond the Field is supported by Oregon Community Credit Union, OCCU. Show your Beaver pride by getting OCCU’s Beaver Visa. No annual fee, a 0% introductory offer and bonus points on Beaver purchases. Apply now.