STILLWATER OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE / 9
Les T homas, Sr.
THE HERO OF HYPE
es Thomas, Sr. is a bestselling author, nationally recognized motivational speaker and passionate community leader committed to infusing hope into the next generation and advocating for their well-being. Fueled by his childhood experiences, Les has created a life of purpose and love for everyone who crosses his path.
The road to greatness is long and winding. Not many people can stay the course, especially with the odds and societal statistics stacked against them. Raised by a single mother, Les witnessed a shooting at 7, failed the fifth grade and got kicked out of seventh grade. His future looked bleak, but he persisted and remained focused on a better life.
Les attended college at Langston University where he played drums in the band and found his love of music. Developing his skills and honing his own sound would prepare him for a future gig that helped change the trajectory of his life. While enrolled, a friend showed up in a fancy car, wearing a gold chain and talked to Les about joining the Air Force. Wanting to provide a good life for his pregnant girlfriend, Mary( now wife) and son, he enlisted.
Les honorably served 20 years in the United States Air Force, including deployments during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Although he had military family members, it was that encounter with a young man who appeared to have everything Les wanted— the jewelry, the car and his own apartment— that was the catalyst for him joining. Les also uses his voice to advocate for veterans.
In 2017, Les was a year away from Air Force retirement and looking for his next opportunity. Little did he know that his next opportunity would come looking for him. Les was approached about trying out to be OSU’ s next Hype Man. Already a super fan with an
OSU tattoo and a black and orange vehicle, it was the next logical step. He was given a script 24 hours before his audition and absolutely nailed it. A few more rounds of script reads and the powers that be knew that Les was the one!
This fall Les starts his 10th season of loving and living the life of a hype man. His 2015 anthem“ Let’ s Go Pokes” opened up doors for him within the athletic department.
THIS FALL LES STARTS HIS 10TH SEASON OF LOVING AND LIVING THE LIFE OF A HYPE MAN. HIS 2015 ANTHEM“ LET’ S GO POKES” OPENED UP DOORS FOR HIM WITHIN THE ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT.
STILLWATER OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE / 9