Olson steps down as Trojans' hoops coach

Thu, May 15, 2008

After spending the better part of the last 10 years as a member of the Fruitport boys basketball program in one capacity or another, Trojans' varsity coach Jared Olson has decided to step down from his position.

Olson and his wife, Debbie, have a one-month-old daughter, Gracelynn. Her arrival changed Olson's priorities and made him realize his attention was needed in places other than in the gym.

"I talked to the players (last week) Thursday, and what I told them was, I would never except 70 percent from you, so if I can't give 110 percent day-in and day-out, it's not fair to the players, the coaches or the administration," Olson said. "With the addition to my family, I felt it was best to focus where I was needed, and that's at home."

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Olson played his prep basketball at Fruitport, leading the program to its first-ever winning campaign his senior season of 1996-97.

He quickly began coaching in the program after graduation, and took over as the head varsity coach for the 2003-04 season. That year, he guided his alma matter to a 14-7 mark. He compiled a 45-60 record in five seasons, including two winning seasons.

"Before I was there, we had just one winning record in 18 years, and that was my senior year," Olson said. "We've had winning records in two of my five years, and that's with having a total of four seniors the last two years."

The Trojans' entire roster consisted of juniors this winter.

"People said I should come back for one more year, that with these 10 seniors, it would be an easy year," Olson said. "But if my commitment isn't 110 percent, it's not fair to everybody.

"Also, I think this is a good transition year for whoever comes into this position, because of the fact that there will be 10 seniors on the team.

"It's been fun being a part of this program the past 10 years, and I'm sure I'll eventually get back into it, but the time off will also be enjoyable to me as well."

Jared is an adviser at Baker College, while Debbie teaches fifth grade in the Fruitport school systems and coaches the Trojans' freshmen girls volleyball team.