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Olson takes over Rutland athletics
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By ARIY-EL BOYNTON, Sports Editor
| 09/16/2009 |
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With more than 30 years as a fan and a referee, Reggie Olson has been hired by Rutland High School as the new athletic director.
Olson and Judy Voeltz will handle athletics for the Oldham-Ramona-Rutland sports co-op.
"It's been a learning process," said Olson, "but Judy has done a good job and I can ease into things."
According to Olson, most of the schedules are already filled out; O-R-R is in the Dakota Valley Conference. The schools in the conference, Arlington, Castlewood, Colman-Egan, Dell Rapids St. Mary, DeSmet, Deubrook Area, Elkton-Lake Benton, Estelline and Lake Preston, have a strong tradition of athletics, according to Olson.
"There's been some battles, and all schools have deep tradition," he said.
With the co-op's two schools nearly 20 miles apart (Ramona to Rutland), Olson said that having close foes is nice for their travel budgets.
Olson views Oldham, Ramona and Rutland as three communities which got together as one athletic identity in the fall of 2003 as the "Raiders," and calls the co-op arrangement a win-win for all.
"Athletics is really important for communities, and the co-op has developed relationships, I would say," said Olson.
With separate athletic complexes, the schools play football in Rutland and Ramona; basketball and volleyball are played in all three communities.
Olson believes that parents and athletes have gotten used to traveling to various locations in order to compete in athletics.
"It's pretty much accepted. That's what happens. It may have taken a little bit, but families just go with it," he said.
The 1968 graduate of Rutland enjoys working with the youth who wear the white and black.
"I suppose the thing I look forward to the most is interaction with students. They have a lot of energy," said Olson.
A past volunteer for the Entringer Classic, Olson has enjoyed watching three-time 100-meter state champion Carly Carper, a Rutland sophomore.
"There's not many Carlys around," Olson said with a smile. "But Carly isn't all about Carly; she's more about the team."
Olson does have some plans for the future of O-R-R athletics, but isn't ready to disclose the full details.
The long-time referee said he may be using his athletic director position as a way out of whistle-blowing.
As for Raider athletics, Olson said that some students have an interest in playing golf.
Olson replaced Ron Swier.
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