Heidelberg University Athletics

Born in Salem, Ohio in 1937, Anthony Less entered Heidelberg College as a freshman in the fall of 1955. Tony Quickly became an active member of the Heidelberg community, and as an athlete he never rested.

Tony Less earned four letters in football, three in baseball, and also played two years of junior varsity basketball. In the four years that Less 'has a member of the Student Prince football team, Heidelberg compiled a 30-6 record, including seasons of. 9-0 in 1955 and fill Ohio Conference Championship season of 8-1 in 1956. Following his junior year, 'Tony was selected by his teammates to serve as captain for the next season.

Tony's final season saw the Princes finish a respectable 6-3, and the senior end was voted the team's Most Valuable Performer by his teammates.

Less was as much a standout on the baseball diamond as he was on the football field, Tony played a good deal his freshman year as Heidelberg finished at 3-8. As a sophomore, Tony was the Princes regular catcher, earning his first letter, he would go on to earn letters in both his junoir and senior years as Heidelberg's catcher.

Off the field, Tony was just as active. In addition to his membership in the "H" Association, he was active in the Excelsior Men's Society, the Spanish Club, ACS, and graduated with a degree in chemistry.

Following his graduation in 1959, Tony entered the U.S. Navy under the Naval Aviation Officer Candidate Program, he was commissioned an ensign in April, 1960, and earned his gold Naval Aviator's wings in June, 1961. Since that time, Tony has moved up through the ranks of the U.S. Navy to his present position of Assistant Dputy to the Chief of Naval Operations For Plans, Policy and Operation.

During his career, Rear Admiral Less has logged more than 6,000 hours in tactical jet aircraft and more than 950 arrested carrier landings. He is authorized to wear 13 medals or decorations, including the National Defense Service Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal.

Tony is married to the former Leanne Carol Kuhl of Memphis, Tennessee. They have four daughters -- Robyn, Pam, Tracy, and Christy.

(This profile appeared in the 1989 Hall of Fame Banquet program.)