Why do you love sports?

Although many people watch and enjoy sports, there are also those who view the fan hysteria as pointless, who believe that sports serve no other purpose than to offer cheap entertainment.

But for junior Jon Olsen, sports mean a lot.

Olsen’s passion for athletics emerged during his elementary school years. He played Little League baseball until the end of fifth grade, as well as ice hockey for a couple of years.

After moving to Saratoga from San Diego, Olsen found himself drawn to the Redwood Middle School wrestling team.

“I decided to try it out, and I immediately loved it,” Olsen said. “I loved the physical challenge. I loved the idea of going out there and proving, not only to other people but to myself, that I can do this.”
Olsen also loved the individual aspect of the sport.

“It’s a one-on-one sport,” Olsen said. “It’s you versus the other person. The winner is who is better.”
Today, Olsen plays right defensive tackle on the school’s football team. Although he does not wrestle anymore, he believes his experience as a wrestler continues to positively influence his life.

“When I was in elementary school, I actually used to be one of those whiny kids,” Olsen said. “I wasn’t the most emotionally stable, but when I joined wrestling, something happened. I broke into a different mindset. No longer was I going around blaming other people for things I had done, or no longer was I so much afraid of punishment.”

Olsen attributes many qualities of his personality to wrestling.

“I have much better control over my emotions than I used to, and I think that’s actually helped me get some of the friends I have now.”

Every spring, the Olsen family buys tickets to the Giants spring training session. Olsen said he enjoys the large crowds because they contribute to a real-game atmosphere.

“It’s a great time; we’re usually there for the weekend,” Olsen said. “We’ll catch two baseball games.”

Olsen generally follows the Giants by watching games and tuning in to the radio.

“I like to know what this team has going for them, what are the weaker points, and what the team should be doing in your opinion,” Olsen said. “You feel like you’re part of the team.”

Besides the Giants, Olsen also roots for the San Diego Chargers football team, “no matter how bad they’re doing.”

“I grew up in San Diego, and I was born on the Super Bowl year that the Chargers went to the Super Bowl,” Olsen said. “So it’s just some type of attachment I feel for them more than any other team.”
In addition, Olsen understands that some people don’t like sports, but he says they don’t have to.

“To each is their own. They can do whatever they want,” Olsen said. “I don’t necessarily understand why someone would want to do acting or band. I understand why they would want to do it for their own thing, but personally I’m not a fan. I do sports because that is my hobby. That’s what I really enjoy doing.”