Leslie Beers

December 30, 1906 – November 25, 1973

Becoming the first University of Iowa wrestler to secure a national title and earn All-American honors, Leslie Beers won the 158-pound title at the first NCAA Wrestling Championships in 1928 under the coaching of Mike Howard.

Beers was also the first Iowa wrestler to clinch a Big Ten championship, finishing first in 1926 and 1928, and second in 1927.

The Iowa Hawkeye team captain was a member of the United States Olympic team at the 1928 Amsterdam Games, becoming the first Olympic wrestler for the University of Iowa.

Beers was a member of the U.S. Olympic team at 1928 Amsterdam Games; National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) champion at 158-pounds in 1928; NCAA All-American in 1928; Big Ten Conference champion in 1926 and 1928; Captain of Iowa team in 1927; and the first Iowa Hawkeye to become an Olympic wrestler, NCAA champion, All-American and Big Ten champion.

After college, Beers went on to become the head coach at Purdue when wrestling was considered a Minor Sport.

High School

Pocahantas High School

• Beers played football and wrestled for Pocahantas High School

College

University of Iowa

CoachMike Howard

• 1926 Big Ten Champion
• 1927 Runner-up Big Ten Tournament
• 1927 Iowa Team Captain
• 1928 Big Ten Champion 158-pounds
• 1928 NCAA Champion 158-pounds
• 1928 U.S. Olympic Team Member

Coaching

• Became Purdue’s Head Coach as the University hired Beers with their expanded physical education program. The previous coach was part-time varsity star, Herb Miller
• 1930 Purdue University Head Coach
• 1931 Purdue University Head Coach
  • 1932 Due to the curtailment of minor sports at Purdue, wrestling disappeared from the athletic program and did not return until 1937