SAN FRANCISCO – The Pac-12 Conference has announced that Les Gutches, who was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Member in 2009, and Stephen Neal, who was inducted as a Distinguished Member in 2012, are Co-Wrestlers of the Century.

A three-time state champion for South Medford High School in Oregon, Gutches was a three-time All-American at Oregon State University, finishing fifth at the NCAA Championships in 1994 before winning back-to-back titles in 1995 and 1996. He was the NCAA Outstanding Wrestler and won the Hodge Trophy as the best collegiate wrestler in 1996, and finished seventh at the 1996 Olympics.

Neal was a four-time All-American at California State University, Bakersfield, finishing fourth as a freshman and second as a sophomore before winning back-to-back titles in 1998 and 1999. Following the NCAA tournament, he competed in freestyle and in 1999 he won the U.S. Open, the Pan American Games, and the World Championships, and the FILA outstanding wrestling award, presented to the best wrestler in the world. He then turned his attention to football, despite not playing in college, and won three Super Bowls as an offensive lineman for the New England Patriots in 2002, 2004, and 2005.

Dale Thomas, who was inducted as a Distinguished Member in 2009, was named the Coach of the Century. Thomas coached 34 years at Oregon State and retired in 1990 as the NCAA’s all-time winningest coach (616-169-12). He coached 60 All-Americans and OSU won 15 consecutive conference titles from 1959-73.

The Pac-12 also announced its Wrestling All-Century team which includes Distinguished Members Robin Reed (Class of 1978) and Greg Strobel (Class of 2012) as well as 2012 Medal of Courage recipient Anthony Robles.

The All-Century team also includes three Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award winners with Tanner Gardner (2003), Eric Larkin (1998) and Shane Webster (2001).

Pac-12 All-Century Wrestling Team Press Release