Carolyn's Corner A Little Color Commentary...
Michael Orr's story was unquestionably inspirational. It was. But this next story makes you look at the term "blindside" with a different dose of clarity. And a dash of "full circle" thrown in. It is one of those eye-opening reminders of when life meets sports.
It starts with Jake Olson, who at 10 months old lost an eye to cancer. After battling for 11 years, with bout after bout of radiation and chemo, he lost the other eye as well at age 12, in 2009.
While still at USC, Coach Pete Carroll heard that it was Jake's dream to see his Trojan heroes play one more game live before the surgery that would take his eyesight. Coach Carroll made it happen, and the strong bond that was forged between coach, team and kid immediately went viral nationally.
Since that time, the bond intact, Pete Carroll moved on to the Seattle Seahawks; and Jake, to the Lutheran High School of Orange County Lancers. Both with the highest of football aspirations. Pete's we know about, and Jake's?
Yep, that's right-- to play on his high school football team! Now standing 6'4", Jake tried out and made the Lancer football team as its long snapper. Remarkable. A tribute to talent mixed with sheer courage, grit and determination. In sum, an eye-opening study of character.
Which led to another invitation from Coach Carroll 2 years ago--this time to be on the sidelines with the Seahawks in Super Bowl XLVIII. Most likely another dream come true! (A short note here: he unfortunately couldn't make it to the NFC Championship game because he had to be in New York to talk about the book he wrote, Open Your Eyes, on the FOX TV program, "Fox and Friends.")
Finally, in Spring 2015 came graduation from high school.
But the full circle doesn't come until now: twice. This fall Jake moves on to the "big leagues," too, much like his friend Pete did a while ago. He will be a college student, a freshman--at USC, no less!-- with just one more accomplishment to add. In his own words 2 days ago, "Tomorrow I will walk onto Howard Jones Field, not as a fan or honorary member, but as a player for the USC Trojans! #fighton"
Fight on, indeed! Helmets off to you, Jake Olson!
Twelve year-old Jake Olson and his sister Emma leading
the Trojan Marching Band at the game in 2009.
Wow very good article, i almost cry... Regards Carolyn
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