1998 Hall of Fame Inductee

JOE OLSEN - Gridley, CA
Basketball - 1947
Track - 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950

Joe Olsen came to Chico State from Westwood with his kindergarten sweetheart, Shirley, whom he had married while in the service. Being a veteran he didn't start college until he was 22 years of age, and he and his young family lived in Vets Village. To meet expenses, Joe worked for the Chico City Recreation District and did the whole ball of wax at the Hooker Oak Area as groundskeeper, announcer, fee collector, and anything else needing attention. In addition, Joe and others in the C.A.R.D. office were asked to move the city softball diamond from its location at West Legion and Frances Willard to its present site at Hooker Oak.

Joe was able to squeeze in time to play freshman basketball but concentrated mainly on track during all four years, especially as a long jumper. Joe could always be counted on for points as he generally placed first, and never lower than second, in the long jump event. One of Jumping Joe's highlights was beating St. Mary's star, John Henry Johnson, in the long jump.

Joe's professional career as a teacher took him to Live Oak for four years, where he started the Little League program. He taught in Gridley for 31 years, where he also coached Little League and Babe Ruth for 13 years. He has been the timer for football and basketball games for nearly 30 years.

He is a Past-President of the Gridley Kiwanis Club, in which he was a member for many years.