Les Combs dedicated his life to the sport of wrestling, extending his influence and leadership far beyond the borders of Oregon. Over a remarkable 38-year coaching career, he guided generations of athletes, amassing 340 career dual meet victories and leaving an enduring legacy of excellence and mentorship.

A Fargo All-American as a high school athlete and collegiate wrestler at Southern Oregon University, Combs began his coaching journey in 1983 as an assistant at West Albany High School. He went on to lead Clackamas High School for 11 years and concluded his head coaching career at Mountain View High School in Bend, where he served from 1996 through 2023. His peers recognized his excellence with three Regional Coach of the Year honors.

Among his proudest accomplishments was mentoring future leaders in the sport — Luke Larwin, Jason Wullbrandt, Nathan Stanley, Larry Leckner, and Forest Markham — each of whom went on to become head coaches themselves.

Beyond the mat, Combs was a tireless advocate for wrestling in Oregon and across the nation. He served as the Oregon School Activities Association’s wrestling liaison for 15 years, the Coaches Director of the Oregon Wrestling Association for 21 years, and treasurer of the state’s Cultural Exchange program for four years.

On the national stage, Combs coached Oregon’s Fargo national tournament team 12 times between 1990 and 2014 and led the state’s National Duals teams in Michigan and Oklahoma. His leadership extended further through service as Oregon’s representative to the National Wrestling Coaches Association for 15 years, regional representative to the NWCA board for 10 years, and member of the national governing board from 1994 to 2022.

Through dedication, integrity, and vision, Les Combs strengthened the foundation of wrestling in Oregon and contributed meaningfully to the sport’s national growth and tradition.