University of South Dakota Athletics

One of the outstanding lineman in South Dakota school football history Les Lane was USD's second All-American football player when he was recognized in 1938. A tackle, Lane played on the 1938 NCC football championship squad, which won the second league title in school history. After graduation, Lane played professional football for a couple of years before entering the military during World War II. He made the American Association all-star football team in 1939 and played with the Boston Bears in 1940. After the war, Lane helped reorganize the Army reserve in Tulsa and was an active reservist, advancing to the rank of Brigadier General. He also was a consultant for Metropolitan Life Insurance company.