Les Kleinsasser

As a Lincoln High School senior in 1953, Les Kleinsasser was named the outstanding wrestler of the tournament at the first all-state championship held at Washington State University. He was the champion at 145 pounds, pinning his opponent in 37 seconds. Also in 1953, Kleinsasser wrestled in the Pacific Northwest Tournament at the Tacoma Armory against mostly college students. Again Kleinsasser was the champion at 145.

After high school, Kleinsasser continued to wrestle for the YMCA team until 1955. Nearly 20 years later, having built successful cabinet making, construction and land development companies, Kleinsasser added a different wrestling-related experience to his resume. With the Bethel schools level having failed, the wrestling team needed transportation to matches on the road. Kleinsasser and his wife, Virginia, loaded up 10 wrestlers and five cheerleaders in their motor home, serving as the team chauffeur for the season.

Kleinsasser was born April 28, 1934 in Chaseley, North Dakota. He moved to Tacoma in 1943 when his father left hard times on the farm in North Dakota to find work in Tacoma. Kleinsasser now splits his time between Palm Desert, California and his home in Graham.