Longtime USC fan Jake Olson announced late Monday he's going to live out a dream by joining the Trojans starting Tuesday. He bonded with the program six years ago while losing his eyesight, but that didn't stop him from feeling at home on the field.
Olson made the inspirational declaration on social media, celebrating his place as a USC player. He wrote: "Tomorrow I walk out onto Howard Jones field not as a fan or honorary member, but as a player for the USC Trojans!"
Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports reports a USC spokesperson confirmed Olson would likely be at practice Tuesday, but he couldn't clarify his roster status.
The report also notes there were questions previously about whether he could play without counting against the team's available scholarships. He's attending the school on a Swim With Mike scholarship, which is for athletes with physical challenges.
Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times highlighted Olson's efforts to join the football team back in April. He originally bonded with Pete Carroll, who invited him to visit the team before surgery to remove his right eye due to retinoblastoma, which had already taken the vision from his left eye.
Olson spent a lot of time around the Trojans and told the Los Angeles Times it allowed him to find comfort in an otherwise extremely difficult time: "There were nights of crying and stressful times when I couldn't get the thought of going blind out of my psyche. But every time I was up at SC or talking to one of the players or just being around, it was just pure fun. And, truthfully, pure peace."
He started to work toward becoming a long snapper and eventually earned the opportunity to fill the role for his high school. His teammates guide him into position, but otherwise, he's been able to master the niche technique, according to the report.
While it remains unclear exactly what Olson's immediate status will be with the Trojans, the fact he's spent the last six years working hard enough to earn the opportunity is a testament to his willpower. He's earned the chance; it wasn't handed to him.
One person who's not surprised is USC head coach Steve Sarkisian. He told the Los Angeles Times in April that Olson is going to get his chance to shine: "Someday, he's going to snap in a game for us. When? I don't know. But it will happen. When that day comes, it will be awesome."
via http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2567000-blind-long-snapper-jake-olson-announces-hes-joined-usc-football-team
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