Class of 1971
Sport: Basketball
Jersey: #34
Athletic Accomplishments:
At 6-3, he was described as “small for a frontcourtman but had the gifted ability for blocking out under theboards.” In Coach Ed Cole’s words, he was a“very unselfish team player.” He was also knownfor his fairness and sportsman like approach both on and off thecourt. Les started every game and earned four varsityletters. During his four years, the team never had a losingseason. He was team co-captain for three consecutive years,starting with his sophomore year. He was selected to theAll-Tournament team his sophomore year and named team MVP as ajunior. He also ranked fifth in the National Associationof Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) District 19 in rebounding witha 13.7 average. He finished his collegiate career with 1,200points and was later inducted into the school’s 1,000-PointClub. At one time, Les was ranked fourth on theCollege’s all-time scoring list behind Walter“Shorty” Simmons ’75, Joseph“Dale” Adams ’73, and DonnyBryan ’73 as well as the NAIA’s thirdleading rebounder behind Shorty Simmons and Dale Adams.
Post-collegiate Accomplishments:
Les was the assistant men’s basketball coach for the1972-73 season while he worked as a guidance counselor at ChopticonHigh School in St. Mary’s County, Maryland. Les went onto have a distinguished career as an educator and administrator atthe high school and college level.
Most Memorable Sports Experience at St.Mary’s:
“My most memorable experience was just having theopportunity to play basketball at SMCM. It was a lot of funand kept me focused on school and sports. I was fortunate tobe selected co-captain by my peers and coaches and that alwaysmeant a lot to me. I think all college students should beactive in some program at SMCM … especially with thebeautiful waterfront, there is no excuse not to!”
Influential Mentor at St. Mary’s:
“My most influential mentor was my coach, EdCole (1990 Hall of Fame). He was more than a coachto his players but was a very positive role model to us. Coach Cole cared about us as students and young men. Hehelped us in all aspects of life. He is a very good friendand person who did a lot for the students and thecollege.”
Thoughts on St. Mary’s College:
“I think St. Mary’s College prepared me wellfor life, as a student (I have four graduate degrees), sports (Icoached in high school and as an assistant at SMCM), and as aperson. I would encourage all student-athletes to takeadvantage of the wonderful opportunity to play sports while youcan. You only have one chance to do so and you will regret itif you don’t!”
