BURWELL OSCAR MOLES
Lifetime Service to Wrestling Award

A pioneer in the early years of Colorado wrestling, Moles passed away in 1968 at the age of 71, leaving an impressive legacy. Known as "B.O.", he is one of only a handful of coaches who not only won state titles while coaching wrestling, but basketball as well. A native of Clarksburg, Missouri, he began his coaching career in 1917 at Norbonne High School in Missouri. He moved to Denver in 1924 and coached wrestling, baseball and basketball within the Denver Prep League until he retired in 1954. He began at South High School and moved to North in 1933. His teams at North won 15 league titles as well nine state championships, including six in a row from 1944-1949. He coached 39 individual champions, tied for No. 1 on the state's coaching list with one of his former wrestlers, and Hall of Fame member, Bob Smith of Wray. He had 103 of his wrestlers place in the state tournament. Six of his wrestlers won titles in 1946 as well as having a state record 11 place winners from his 1945 state champions. His teams placed among the top 10 at state, 15 times.