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OLIN KREUTZ
Washington Husky Center
By Dr. Greg Shepard
Published: Winter 1997
“Olin’s athletic ability and his footwork really make him an outstanding center,” says Head Husky Football Coach, Jim Lambright. “He has such good feet and balance. We saw that from the beginning. There are not too many out there who are better. Olin is bright enough to make all of the calls and run the offensive front. He gives us great stability in a really key position.”
This pre-season, as a young 20-year old junior, Olin was one of 16 candidates selected for the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award. He also made a number of pre-season All-American teams. Olin’s best lifts are a 505 Bench, a 580 Parallel Squat and a 300-pound Power Clean from the floor. This strength is combined with 5.2 electronic time speed and a strict 28-inch Vertical Jump.
Olin has been training with weights since the 7th grade. “I have always trained with George Perry, my grandfather,” said Olin respectfully. “We have our own gym in our garage. My grandfather also trains a lot of people in college or the NFL. He inspired me and I’ve never let up.”
Olin attended perennial football power, St. Louis High School in Honolulu, Hawaii. His best lifts there were a 420 Bench, a 450 true Parallel Squat and a 225 Shoulder Press supported by a 6-2, 265-pound frame. Olin also maintained a solid 2.8 grade point average.
In addition to football, Olin fought his way to become the state champion heavyweight wrestler in Hawaii as well as a top shot-putter in track. He was All-State in both his junior and senior years while leading his team as a senior captain to a perfect 13-0 state championship season. Olin was recruited heavily by all the major football college powers. Olin is about half Hawaiian and half German but his Hawaiian blood runs deep. His choice to attend the University of Washington was predicted primarily on the fact that the Huskies had the most Hawaiians on the team.
Olin did not red-shirt and was the only true freshman to see playing time. He saw action in 10 games plus the Sun Bowl. Olin was presented the Most Inspirational Freshman Award for his first year efforts. Last year, Olin started all 11 games and was a first-team All-Pac 10 center. He finished second in the league by allowing only 18 sacks and Olin also helped the Husky offense average almost 219 yards per game.
Olin is a Sociology major with a 2.5 GPA and is coming along satisfactorily for graduation. He is still undecided on what to do after his career in football but at this point he is leaning towards going into coaching football or wrestling.
Drugs have never been a part of Olin’s life. “I have never done any other kinds of drugs. I don’t believe in Marijuana or heavier drugs. I don’t think you need to be doing that stuff.
“What I enjoy is lifting. I go home to Hawaii in the summer to train with my grandfather. There’s a challenge when you lift and I can’t let a weight dominate me. They are just weights.
“I need to start Power Cleaning more. I need to get better on my technique. I know Cleans will make me a better football player by being more explosive.”
Before a ball game, Olin tries to stay calm and thinks about his assignments. “In warm-ups I don’t even like to go live,” says Olin. “I want to save my energy both physical and emotional. Our whole team is like that. We prefer to be quiet.”
Olin believes it takes a lot of work and a lot of determination to be successful. “In Hawaii, you can go to the beach or night clubbing,” reasoned Olin, “ but you must stay focused. My purpose in the summer in Hawaii is to train and training means lifting and running.”
There was a time when Olin had a problem with fighting and was even required by Coach Lambright to take anger management classes just to remain on the team. “Don’t be like I was,” warns Olin. “Stay out of fights. It’s good to be competitive but you have got to know when to compete.”
Olin’s family means everything to him. His mother and grandmother fly to every game and they are Olin’s biggest fans. “My uncle and grandfather have helped me get through some tough times. They are real important to me,’ said Olin respectfully.
I asked Olin the following question: “On a scale of one to ten how would you rate yourself as far as work ethic?” Olin seriously pondered the question. “About a six,” said Olin. “I need to work harder.”
It got quiet. Then I said, “Olin, most of us probably feel we could do more but if a man admits he’s a six and commits to work harder, then that man is an eleven in my book.” Olin’s eyes brighten as he laughed and looked at me with appreciation.
Well, you can’t help but love Olin. I liked his honesty and spirit. We wish this Upper Limit athlete well throughout his football career and life. We thank Rick Huegli, Husky Strength Coach, for making this article possible.
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Olin Kreutz, Outland Trophy and Lombardi Candidate can bench 505 pounds
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Greg Shepard with the 6-4 290 pound center, Olin Kreutz
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Olin can Parallel Squat 580 pounds
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