UPDATED: Joe Wells, Oregon State coach and USA Wrestling leader, passed away today
Share:
by USA Wrestling
USA Wrestling has learned that long-time USA Wrestling leader and retired Oregon State coach Joe Wells, 67, passed away earlier today.
Wells served 14 years as the head coach at Oregon State, where he retired in 2006. Wells compiled a 161-94-3 dual meet record, he led the Beavers to a Pacific-10 championship and guided them to four top-10 finishes at the NCAA Championships, including a runner-up finish in 1995.
For many years, Wells served on the USA Wrestling Board of Directors, and also served as the Chairperson of the Freestyle Sports Committee. Wells was also active as a freestyle coach, leading a number of U.S. teams in international competition including serving on World Team and Olympic Team coaching staffs.
During Wells’ tenure at OSU, the Beavers contribution to that legacy included the 1994 Pacific-10 team championship, 22 individual conference champions, 17 All-America finishes and a pair of individual national titles. At the NCAA meet under Wells, OSU placed second in 1995, fourth in 1994, eighth in 1996 and tied for ninth in 1998.
Wells was named Pacific-10 Coach of the Year in 1994 and 1995. In 1998, he was named the ASICS Oregon Wrestling Classic’s Man of the Year for his contributions to wrestling in the state.
USA Wrestling’s Associate Executive Director for Programs and Strategy Les Gutches was coached by Joe Wells at Oregon State. Gutches won two NCAA titles under Wells, and went on to win a World title and compete in the Olympic Games in freestyle wrestling.
“He was a great man with an unbelievably huge heart. He made a difference in thousands of lives as a coach and mentor. If you look around the country on the high school and college levels, there are protégés of Joe Wells coaching successful programs and carrying on Joe’s legacy. For me personally, he was a huge influence and a big factor in my success.”
“I remember in 2000, as I was training for the Olympic Trials, I didn’t have workout partners. Joe was 50, he had 30 years on me, and I had 40 pounds of muscle on him. He didn’t hesitate to work out with me for that week. He was never afraid to work out and help. He was still coaching at a high school level just a few years ago. Joe was extremely tough, mentally and physically. A great coach and a caring guy,” said Gutches.
Wells was a 1972 Iowa graduate. He was a two-time placer at the Big Ten meet and was the 1976 U.S. Wrestling Federation freestyle champ. He spent 17 seasons as an assistant coach at Iowa and Michigan before going to Oregon State. At Michigan, he was named NCAA Assistant Coach of the Year in 1988. Wells was also an assistant coach on Iowa's national champions in 1973 and 1976.
USA Wrestling will update this story when more information becomes available, and also when memorial services are set in his memory.
OREGON STATE PRESS RELEASE, by Brooks Hatch
Former OSU Wrestling Coach Joe Wells Passes Away
Corvallis, Ore. - Former Oregon State wrestling coach Joe Wells, the second-winningest coach in the 93-year history of the program, died on Thursday. He was 67.
Wells led the Beavers to a 161-94-3 record in 14 seasons from 1993-2006. He coached one NCAA champion; two Olympians; 17 All-Americans; two Olympians and 22 Pac-10 champions. His 1994 team captured the Pacific-10 Conference title and placed fourth at the NCAA championships.
“On behalf of the OSU Athletics family, we are saddened Joe’s passing,” OSU Director of Athletics Bob De Carolis said. “Joe led our historic program for more than a decade, even serving the University after his retirement from coaching.
“Joe had a wonderful impact on the lives of so many young men he mentored. Sandra and I will miss our friend dearly and our thoughts are with Cindia, Kallie, Garrett and his family.”
Wells never had a losing record at OSU and guided the Beavers to four top-10 finishes at the NCAA championships. He was the 1994 and 1995 Pac-10 Coach of the Year; the 1998 ASICS Oregon Wrestling Classic’s Man of the Year, and was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2014.
Wells was a standout competitor before entering coaching. He wrestled at Iowa and was a two-time placer at the Big Ten championships. He was also a silver medalist at the 1974 USSR National Championships at Tiblisi, Russia, and the 1976 U.S. Wrestling Federation freestyle champion.
He began his coaching career at Iowa, and then assisted at Michigan before being hired by OSU in April, 1992. He retired from coaching in 2006 after 14 seasons with the Beavers and 31 seasons overall, and then worked for the school’s Bridge program, which helps build the skills students need to make a successful transition from high school to college.
“My son is going into high school next year and I thought it would be really nice to spend some time with my kids versus everybody else’s kids,” he said at the time. “I’m really looking forward to a new challenge.
“I’ll have an opportunity to work with all student athletes and all the teams in the department and serve as a resource for the coaches.”
Wells remained close to the program after retiring from coaching. He accompanied the Beavers back to St. Louis for the NCAA championships last month.
“He was a great resource and helped out the program in any way he could,” current coach Jim Zalesky said. “He was always very positive, He helped me meet the right people when I first got here, and knew the right people on the academic side who could help me.
“He was great for us. Besides Dale Thomas, no other coach put in as much time for Oregon State wrestling than Joe did.”
Zalesky knew Wells for nearly 40 years, dating back to his days as a high school wrestler. They met at a summer camp at Iowa, and maintained their friendship in the intervening years.
“I go a long way back with Joe, to the 1970s,” Zalesky said. “He was my councilor at my first summer camp. I’ve known him for a long time, so it’s a very sad day.
“I don’t know if I’d be here if it wasn’t for Joe. He was the first one to call me about this job.”
Wells remained close to the program after retiring from coaching. He accompanied the team back to St. Louis for the NCAA championships last month.
“He was a great resource and helped out the program in any way he could,” Zalesky said. “He was always very positive, He helped me meet the right people when I first got here, and knew the right people on the academic side who could help me. He was great for us.”
Wells was the NCAA Assistant Coach of the Year in 1988 at the University of Michigan. He also assisted the 1988 U.S. Olympic team, numerous other U.S. National teams, and assisted on Iowa’s 1973 and 1976 NCAA champions.
A 1972 Iowa graduate, he is survived by his wife, Cindia; a daughter, Kalli, and a son, Garrett.
USA Wrestling has learned that long-time USA Wrestling leader and retired Oregon State coach Joe Wells, 67, passed away earlier today.
Wells served 14 years as the head coach at Oregon State, where he retired in 2006. Wells compiled a 161-94-3 dual meet record, he led the Beavers to a Pacific-10 championship and guided them to four top-10 finishes at the NCAA Championships, including a runner-up finish in 1995.
For many years, Wells served on the USA Wrestling Board of Directors, and also served as the Chairperson of the Freestyle Sports Committee. Wells was also active as a freestyle coach, leading a number of U.S. teams in international competition including serving on World Team and Olympic Team coaching staffs.
During Wells’ tenure at OSU, the Beavers contribution to that legacy included the 1994 Pacific-10 team championship, 22 individual conference champions, 17 All-America finishes and a pair of individual national titles. At the NCAA meet under Wells, OSU placed second in 1995, fourth in 1994, eighth in 1996 and tied for ninth in 1998.
Wells was named Pacific-10 Coach of the Year in 1994 and 1995. In 1998, he was named the ASICS Oregon Wrestling Classic’s Man of the Year for his contributions to wrestling in the state.
USA Wrestling’s Associate Executive Director for Programs and Strategy Les Gutches was coached by Joe Wells at Oregon State. Gutches won two NCAA titles under Wells, and went on to win a World title and compete in the Olympic Games in freestyle wrestling.
“He was a great man with an unbelievably huge heart. He made a difference in thousands of lives as a coach and mentor. If you look around the country on the high school and college levels, there are protégés of Joe Wells coaching successful programs and carrying on Joe’s legacy. For me personally, he was a huge influence and a big factor in my success.”
“I remember in 2000, as I was training for the Olympic Trials, I didn’t have workout partners. Joe was 50, he had 30 years on me, and I had 40 pounds of muscle on him. He didn’t hesitate to work out with me for that week. He was never afraid to work out and help. He was still coaching at a high school level just a few years ago. Joe was extremely tough, mentally and physically. A great coach and a caring guy,” said Gutches.
Wells was a 1972 Iowa graduate. He was a two-time placer at the Big Ten meet and was the 1976 U.S. Wrestling Federation freestyle champ. He spent 17 seasons as an assistant coach at Iowa and Michigan before going to Oregon State. At Michigan, he was named NCAA Assistant Coach of the Year in 1988. Wells was also an assistant coach on Iowa's national champions in 1973 and 1976.
Wells served 14 years as the head coach at Oregon State, where he retired in 2006. Wells compiled a 161-94-3 dual meet record, he led the Beavers to a Pacific-10 championship and guided them to four top-10 finishes at the NCAA Championships, including a runner-up finish in 1995.
For many years, Wells served on the USA Wrestling Board of Directors, and also served as the Chairperson of the Freestyle Sports Committee. Wells was also active as a freestyle coach, leading a number of U.S. teams in international competition including serving on World Team and Olympic Team coaching staffs.
During Wells’ tenure at OSU, the Beavers contribution to that legacy included the 1994 Pacific-10 team championship, 22 individual conference champions, 17 All-America finishes and a pair of individual national titles. At the NCAA meet under Wells, OSU placed second in 1995, fourth in 1994, eighth in 1996 and tied for ninth in 1998.
Wells was named Pacific-10 Coach of the Year in 1994 and 1995. In 1998, he was named the ASICS Oregon Wrestling Classic’s Man of the Year for his contributions to wrestling in the state.
USA Wrestling’s Associate Executive Director for Programs and Strategy Les Gutches was coached by Joe Wells at Oregon State. Gutches won two NCAA titles under Wells, and went on to win a World title and compete in the Olympic Games in freestyle wrestling.
“He was a great man with an unbelievably huge heart. He made a difference in thousands of lives as a coach and mentor. If you look around the country on the high school and college levels, there are protégés of Joe Wells coaching successful programs and carrying on Joe’s legacy. For me personally, he was a huge influence and a big factor in my success.”
“I remember in 2000, as I was training for the Olympic Trials, I didn’t have workout partners. Joe was 50, he had 30 years on me, and I had 40 pounds of muscle on him. He didn’t hesitate to work out with me for that week. He was never afraid to work out and help. He was still coaching at a high school level just a few years ago. Joe was extremely tough, mentally and physically. A great coach and a caring guy,” said Gutches.
Wells was a 1972 Iowa graduate. He was a two-time placer at the Big Ten meet and was the 1976 U.S. Wrestling Federation freestyle champ. He spent 17 seasons as an assistant coach at Iowa and Michigan before going to Oregon State. At Michigan, he was named NCAA Assistant Coach of the Year in 1988. Wells was also an assistant coach on Iowa's national champions in 1973 and 1976.
USA Wrestling will update this story when more information becomes available, and also when memorial services are set in his memory.
OREGON STATE PRESS RELEASE, by Brooks Hatch
Former OSU Wrestling Coach Joe Wells Passes Away
Corvallis, Ore. - Former Oregon State wrestling coach Joe Wells, the second-winningest coach in the 93-year history of the program, died on Thursday. He was 67.
Wells led the Beavers to a 161-94-3 record in 14 seasons from 1993-2006. He coached one NCAA champion; two Olympians; 17 All-Americans; two Olympians and 22 Pac-10 champions. His 1994 team captured the Pacific-10 Conference title and placed fourth at the NCAA championships.
“On behalf of the OSU Athletics family, we are saddened Joe’s passing,” OSU Director of Athletics Bob De Carolis said. “Joe led our historic program for more than a decade, even serving the University after his retirement from coaching.
“Joe had a wonderful impact on the lives of so many young men he mentored. Sandra and I will miss our friend dearly and our thoughts are with Cindia, Kallie, Garrett and his family.”
Wells never had a losing record at OSU and guided the Beavers to four top-10 finishes at the NCAA championships. He was the 1994 and 1995 Pac-10 Coach of the Year; the 1998 ASICS Oregon Wrestling Classic’s Man of the Year, and was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2014.
Wells was a standout competitor before entering coaching. He wrestled at Iowa and was a two-time placer at the Big Ten championships. He was also a silver medalist at the 1974 USSR National Championships at Tiblisi, Russia, and the 1976 U.S. Wrestling Federation freestyle champion.
He began his coaching career at Iowa, and then assisted at Michigan before being hired by OSU in April, 1992. He retired from coaching in 2006 after 14 seasons with the Beavers and 31 seasons overall, and then worked for the school’s Bridge program, which helps build the skills students need to make a successful transition from high school to college.
“My son is going into high school next year and I thought it would be really nice to spend some time with my kids versus everybody else’s kids,” he said at the time. “I’m really looking forward to a new challenge.
“I’ll have an opportunity to work with all student athletes and all the teams in the department and serve as a resource for the coaches.”
Wells remained close to the program after retiring from coaching. He accompanied the Beavers back to St. Louis for the NCAA championships last month.
“He was a great resource and helped out the program in any way he could,” current coach Jim Zalesky said. “He was always very positive, He helped me meet the right people when I first got here, and knew the right people on the academic side who could help me.
“He was great for us. Besides Dale Thomas, no other coach put in as much time for Oregon State wrestling than Joe did.”
Zalesky knew Wells for nearly 40 years, dating back to his days as a high school wrestler. They met at a summer camp at Iowa, and maintained their friendship in the intervening years.
“I go a long way back with Joe, to the 1970s,” Zalesky said. “He was my councilor at my first summer camp. I’ve known him for a long time, so it’s a very sad day.
“I don’t know if I’d be here if it wasn’t for Joe. He was the first one to call me about this job.”
Wells remained close to the program after retiring from coaching. He accompanied the team back to St. Louis for the NCAA championships last month.
“He was a great resource and helped out the program in any way he could,” Zalesky said. “He was always very positive, He helped me meet the right people when I first got here, and knew the right people on the academic side who could help me. He was great for us.”
Wells was the NCAA Assistant Coach of the Year in 1988 at the University of Michigan. He also assisted the 1988 U.S. Olympic team, numerous other U.S. National teams, and assisted on Iowa’s 1973 and 1976 NCAA champions.
A 1972 Iowa graduate, he is survived by his wife, Cindia; a daughter, Kalli, and a son, Garrett.
USA Wrestling has learned that long-time USA Wrestling leader and retired Oregon State coach Joe Wells, 67, passed away earlier today.
Wells served 14 years as the head coach at Oregon State, where he retired in 2006. Wells compiled a 161-94-3 dual meet record, he led the Beavers to a Pacific-10 championship and guided them to four top-10 finishes at the NCAA Championships, including a runner-up finish in 1995.
For many years, Wells served on the USA Wrestling Board of Directors, and also served as the Chairperson of the Freestyle Sports Committee. Wells was also active as a freestyle coach, leading a number of U.S. teams in international competition including serving on World Team and Olympic Team coaching staffs.
During Wells’ tenure at OSU, the Beavers contribution to that legacy included the 1994 Pacific-10 team championship, 22 individual conference champions, 17 All-America finishes and a pair of individual national titles. At the NCAA meet under Wells, OSU placed second in 1995, fourth in 1994, eighth in 1996 and tied for ninth in 1998.
Wells was named Pacific-10 Coach of the Year in 1994 and 1995. In 1998, he was named the ASICS Oregon Wrestling Classic’s Man of the Year for his contributions to wrestling in the state.
USA Wrestling’s Associate Executive Director for Programs and Strategy Les Gutches was coached by Joe Wells at Oregon State. Gutches won two NCAA titles under Wells, and went on to win a World title and compete in the Olympic Games in freestyle wrestling.
“He was a great man with an unbelievably huge heart. He made a difference in thousands of lives as a coach and mentor. If you look around the country on the high school and college levels, there are protégés of Joe Wells coaching successful programs and carrying on Joe’s legacy. For me personally, he was a huge influence and a big factor in my success.”
“I remember in 2000, as I was training for the Olympic Trials, I didn’t have workout partners. Joe was 50, he had 30 years on me, and I had 40 pounds of muscle on him. He didn’t hesitate to work out with me for that week. He was never afraid to work out and help. He was still coaching at a high school level just a few years ago. Joe was extremely tough, mentally and physically. A great coach and a caring guy,” said Gutches.
Wells was a 1972 Iowa graduate. He was a two-time placer at the Big Ten meet and was the 1976 U.S. Wrestling Federation freestyle champ. He spent 17 seasons as an assistant coach at Iowa and Michigan before going to Oregon State. At Michigan, he was named NCAA Assistant Coach of the Year in 1988. Wells was also an assistant coach on Iowa's national champions in 1973 and 1976.
Read More#
5 Olympic and 11 World champions highlight loaded field for Final X, the 2023 Beat the Streets Annual Benefit
Three wrestle-offs for U.S. ANOC World Beach Games Team set for June 24 at Rathbun Lake in Mystic, Iowa
Final results from Final X in Newark, as 29 Senior World Team berths are determined
U.S. international Senior and age-group team berths up for grabs at USMC Beach Nationals in Carolina Beach, May 20
