Ex-Osu Wrestler Takes World Freestyle Crown

Mon., Sept. 1, 1997

Oregon State assistant wrestling coach Les Gutches won the gold medal Sunday at the World Freestyle Wrestling Championships.

The former Oregon State wrestling star downed the Ukraine’s Eldar Asanov to take the gold in the 187-1/4-pound class with a 1-1 overtime referee’s decision.

The win adds a world championship to Gutches’ two U.S. national championships and the two NCAA titles he won while competing for the Beavers. Last year, he won his first U.S. title but finished seventh at 1996 Olympic Games.

But Gutches still sees room for improvement.

“I’m not happy that I only scored one point,” he said. “He was a tough opponent, I’ll give him that.”

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.

Ex-Osu Wrestler Takes World Freestyle Crown

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

Spokane Chiefs hold off Prince George 3-2, force Game 5 in first-round matchup | WHL playoffs

'Guys are really buying into what we're saying': The importance of WSU defenders Kaden Beatty and Nylan Brown

Gonzaga guard Cade Orness announces intention to enter transfer portal