(Jan. 29, 1933 – Mar. 17, 1993) John Witte made a name for himself as a standout lineman on Oregon State’s 1957 Rose Bowl team as well as a national-caliber wrestler.

Witte played under coach Kip Taylor in 1951-52 before joining the military during the Korean War. He returned to play under Tommy Prothro and was a two-time All-American (1955-56), helping the Beavers reach the Rose Bowl.

Witte wrestled in 1952 and again in ’56 with his success coming in ’52 when he won the Pacific Coast Conference title at heavyweight. He finished second in the NCAA meet.

Witte signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League in 1957 and played one season before retiring.

Witte was inducted to the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame in 1983 and the Oregon State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1991.