Hall of Fame
Speasl, a graduate assistant under legendary SOU wrestling coach Bob Riehm from 1971-73, is credited with helping build foundation and change the culture of a program that was soon a powerhouse. SOU had only produced one All-American before Speasl’s time, but he was responsible for recruiting and developing seven: Al Betcher, Roger Duvall, Greg Haga, Brent Lofstedt, Dan Speasl, Jerry Stidham and Nathan Winner. Prior to his coaching days Speasl wrestled two seasons for the Raiders and earned the SOU Most Inspirational Wrestler award following both. In 1971 he placed third at 142 pounds in District 3 – helping the Raiders to their first of 44 consecutive winning seasons, a streak that is still active today – and after attaining his master’s degree at SOU went on to become one of the most respected figures in Oregon sports with his career at Southwestern Oregon Community College.
