Past Central Missouri wrestler faces his toughest test
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by USA Wrestling
By Mike Knipper, University of Central Missouri
As a four-time National Qualifier and two-time All-American at Central Missouri State (now University of Central Missouri) Les Gatrel understands the determination and drive it takes to be successful on the wrestling mat.
Now at the age of 57, he faces the toughest opponent of his life. In 2012, doctors diagnosed Gatrel with multiple sclerosis. The disabling disease of the central nervous system sapped the strength of the former 190-lb. All-American and made even the most basic exercise difficult. He couldn’t even ride a bike, but Gatrel’s competitive instincts took over. He created the Les Wrestles MS 190 Challenge.
The Challenge is part of a five-month campaign to inspire participants to commit to a personal and physical challenge associated with the number 190, his college wrestling weight. The idea arose after Gatrel’s wrestling teammate, Gary Ervin, invited him to stand up against the disease with 190 miles of bike riding. From being unable to ride a bike before the challenge, Gatrel persevered and has now logged over 460 miles since June 17. The challenge also serves to raise support for the MS Society, the UCM Wrestling program and Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity.”
“The 190 Challenge is about connecting people and challenging them to commit to their physical health and to connect with their family and friends. MS has taught me that those are the things in life that really matter the most,” Gatrel said. “Through this battle I’ve reconnected with wrestling teammates and fraternity brothers who I hadn’t spoken with in 30 years.”
Most recently, Gatrel teamed up with Ervin, a participant on CBS’ Amazing Race seasons 17 and 18, as well as UCM alumnus and another 190 lb. All-American Duane Fritchie, a world champion triathlete, to create the All-American Mule Grinder Challenge. It is a one-day, 90-mile bike ride along Missouri’s Katy Trail from Sedalia to the state capitol in Jefferson City.
The Mule Grinder will take place on Friday, Sept. 26 with Gatrel and Fritchie riding the 90 miles together on a tandem bike. They will be joined on the ride by UCM President, Dr. Chuck Ambrose and his wife, Kris as well as other challenge supporters. A second Mule Grinder will also take place on Saturday, Sept. 27 for those unable to make the Friday event.
The Les Wrestles MS campaign has a goal of raising $100,000 and is nearing that goal with about $35,000-$40,000 left to raise. Portions of the proceeds generated from the challenge will go to local families affected by MS, the Central Missouri wrestling program and their fund to build a new wrestling room, and the Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation.
The Les Wrestles MS campaign kicked off on May 31 with a pig roast and silent auction. Over 100 high school and college wrestling programs donated items to the kickoff event. As one attendee noted, “The kickoff pig roast was a fantastic reminder of the brotherhood we share and our commitment to help each other.” Others can experience the same feeling through their participation and support of the Les Wrestles MS 190 Challenge. To make a financial pledge, visit www. LesWrestlesMS.com.
As a four-time National Qualifier and two-time All-American at Central Missouri State (now University of Central Missouri) Les Gatrel understands the determination and drive it takes to be successful on the wrestling mat.
Now at the age of 57, he faces the toughest opponent of his life. In 2012, doctors diagnosed Gatrel with multiple sclerosis. The disabling disease of the central nervous system sapped the strength of the former 190-lb. All-American and made even the most basic exercise difficult. He couldn’t even ride a bike, but Gatrel’s competitive instincts took over. He created the Les Wrestles MS 190 Challenge.
The Challenge is part of a five-month campaign to inspire participants to commit to a personal and physical challenge associated with the number 190, his college wrestling weight. The idea arose after Gatrel’s wrestling teammate, Gary Ervin, invited him to stand up against the disease with 190 miles of bike riding. From being unable to ride a bike before the challenge, Gatrel persevered and has now logged over 460 miles since June 17. The challenge also serves to raise support for the MS Society, the UCM Wrestling program and Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity.”
“The 190 Challenge is about connecting people and challenging them to commit to their physical health and to connect with their family and friends. MS has taught me that those are the things in life that really matter the most,” Gatrel said. “Through this battle I’ve reconnected with wrestling teammates and fraternity brothers who I hadn’t spoken with in 30 years.”
Most recently, Gatrel teamed up with Ervin, a participant on CBS’ Amazing Race seasons 17 and 18, as well as UCM alumnus and another 190 lb. All-American Duane Fritchie, a world champion triathlete, to create the All-American Mule Grinder Challenge. It is a one-day, 90-mile bike ride along Missouri’s Katy Trail from Sedalia to the state capitol in Jefferson City.
The Mule Grinder will take place on Friday, Sept. 26 with Gatrel and Fritchie riding the 90 miles together on a tandem bike. They will be joined on the ride by UCM President, Dr. Chuck Ambrose and his wife, Kris as well as other challenge supporters. A second Mule Grinder will also take place on Saturday, Sept. 27 for those unable to make the Friday event.
The Les Wrestles MS campaign has a goal of raising $100,000 and is nearing that goal with about $35,000-$40,000 left to raise. Portions of the proceeds generated from the challenge will go to local families affected by MS, the Central Missouri wrestling program and their fund to build a new wrestling room, and the Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation.
The Les Wrestles MS campaign kicked off on May 31 with a pig roast and silent auction. Over 100 high school and college wrestling programs donated items to the kickoff event. As one attendee noted, “The kickoff pig roast was a fantastic reminder of the brotherhood we share and our commitment to help each other.” Others can experience the same feeling through their participation and support of the Les Wrestles MS 190 Challenge. To make a financial pledge, visit www. LesWrestlesMS.com.
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