Sep. 27—Dale Lehman started the Odessa Boys Club Judo Team in 1964, and led the team known around the United States in state and national championships as “OBC Judo.” Michael McCleery became Dale’s judo student in 1965 as an 11-year-old boy. In 1973, Michael McCleery spent two years training in Japan where he earned his 1st Degree Black Belt. In 1976, he returned to Japan for two more years of intense judo training and competition where he earned his 2nd Degree Black Belt.
In 1980 the United States Olympic Judo Organization chose 8 elite competitors from each weight division from around the United States to train daily at the United States Olympic Training Center for 4 years. Michael McCleery was one of those chosen. During Michael’s 59 years of judo, he stacked up over 200 medals and trophies along with titles at major tournaments such as 13 Gold Medals, 4 Silver Medals and 3 Bronze Medals in the Texas State Championships. 2 Gold Medals and 1 Bronze Medal in the National Masters Championships. 4 Gold Medals in the Florida State Judo Games. 2 Bronze Medals in the U.S. Olympic Pre-Trial Games. 1 Gold Medal at the Mexico City Goodwill Game, 2 Gold Medals at the American Canadian Championships, and 5 Gold Medals in the Los Vegas Judo Games.
On September 16, 2013, Dale Lehman passed the position of head coach of OBC Judo to Michael McCleery. On September 10, 2018, USA Judo promoted Michael McCleery to 7th Degree Black Belt…