Former Orange Lutheran (CA) blind snapper suits-up for USC

Jack OlsonJake Olson warming-up when he played a Orange Lutheran. Photo OC Register.
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by Jeff Fisher, High School Football America

When you do something like I have for 40-plus years, certain things never leave your memory. The story of former Orange Lutheran (Orange, California) long-snapper Jake Olson, who is totally blind and suited-up for the USC Trojans last week, fits into that category. 

I met Jake in 2013 when I featured him on the High School Football America Radio Show.

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To say that Jake, who lost his sight because of cancer, is a special young man is an understatement. 

Jake is an avid golfer and takes part in many other sports that you wouldn’t think he could.  He’s written books and has his own foundation called Open Your Eyes.

The fact that this young man has a chance to play in a college football game is a testament to his will and desire.  

Olson’s journey to USC began with a dream — he was always a big Trojans fan and when Pete Carroll was the head man, he and Olson became friends.  That friendship didn’t end when Carroll left for Seattle.  Olson still visits with Carroll and has been a guest of the team on the Seahawks’ sideline.

Pete Carroll on Jake Olson: ‘He is a Remarkable Kid’

If you’re sitting on the couch lamenting your life today, check-out our interview with Jake for some inspiration.

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About the Author

Jeff Fisher
Jeff is an award-winning journalist and expert in the field of high school sports, underscored with his appearance on CNBC in 2010 to talk about the big business of high school football in America.Jeff turned to his passion for high school football into an entrepreneurial venture called High School Football America, a digital media company focused on producing original high school sports content for radio, television and the internet.Jeff is co-founder and editor-in-chief of High School Football America, a partner with NFL Play Football.