Staff Introduction: Glenn Olson

Mon, 09 Dec 2019 16:20:00 GMT

Glenn Olson grew up outside Boston, Massachusetts. He graduated from Melrose High School in 1979 where he played hockey and soccer.

Olson attended Gordon College in Wenham, MA where he met his wife, Joan. He graduated with a B.S. in Physical Education, in 1983. While at Gordon, he played hockey and served as assistant captain, then captain his senior year. “Although a Christian and an athlete for most of my life, it was under the leadership of my hockey coach at Gordon that I learned how we can use sports to grow in our own faith and to share Christ’s love with others,” Olson says.

In the summer of 1983, Olson was hired by Missisquoi Valley Union High School in Vermont to teach physical education and coach ice hockey. Then in 1988, he was hired to teach physical education and coach hockey at Rutland High School in Rutland, Vermont. While continuing to coach, Olson served as the athletic director, Associate Principal/Activities & Athletics Director and Associate Principal for Curriculum and Instruction. In 2014, Olson moved down the hall to the Stafford Technical Center where he served as director until June of 2019.

From 1989 until 1999, Olson also made time to serve as Coach-in-Chief for USA Hockey and also served on the National Federation of High Schools National Rules Committee representing the northeast.

Olson currently serves as an Elder at Calvary Bible Church in Rutland where he co-leads the fellowship and outreach ministries. He and his wife volunteer in their church’s Café. They also enjoy being involved with several marriage as well as college-aged adult ministries.

Olson recalls how he first was acquainted with FCA, “We did not have a huddle, but I looked forward to receiving the ‘Sharing The Victory’ magazine each month and reading about Christian athletes and coaches. Athletics have always been a big part of my life and I chose to join FCA to read about how others integrated their faith with sports.” Olson was inspired by the faith stories of athletes that were highlighted in each issue.

From an early hockey career start at 5 years old, to many coaching experiences and time as an athletic director, Olson always possessed a passion for sports as well as the athletes. At the same time, his Christian faith grew. He says, “The opportunity to merge [my passions] together in order to impact others for Christ is exciting. Sports play a major role and have a large influence on society. To see coaches and athletes walking with the Lord and having a positive influence on society is motivating.”

Olson reflects on how far FCA has come over the past 20 years. “I look forward to the day when an FCA huddle in a school is the norm, not an exception.” He says, “I’m excited to continue the great work of growing the role and impact of FCA in Vermont. It’s my desire to connect people and develop relationships with coaches who will influence their colleagues and athletes for Christ.”

Glenn and Joan have been married for 36 years and are empty-nesters living in Rutland, Vermont. Their three grown children, Jamie, Jason and Jenna all played college sports and now live in northern Vermont, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

Olson enjoys exercising, golf, sailing, waterskiing, and spending time in the vegetable garden. Together, he and Joan enjoy going out for long bike rides and serving together in a variety of ministries at their church.

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