FOOTBALL
1999 Season
As a sophomore, he suited up on varsity but mostly played on the JV team.
Although the Lions finished with a 6-3 record, they missed the state playoffs.
2000 Season
In his junior season, Olney went from 180 pounds to 190 pounds and became a starter on the defensive line.
After dropping their opener 19-6 at Everett, the Lions rebounded to defeat Monroe the following week at home, 42-14.
Lynden began the Northwest League schedule by shutting out Bellingham at Civic Stadium, 55-0, but quickly lost back-to-back games against Mount Vernon and Anacortes.
Victories then followed, against Burlington-Edison and Sedro-Woolley, but a tough 21-13 loss at home against Ferndale took away any chance at postseason success.
Lynden finished the season with a 35-28 win over Squalicum at Civic Stadium, and finished the year with a 5-4 record.
By season’s end, Olney was fourth on the team with four tackles for loss.
2001 Season
As a senior, Olney gained another 10 pounds of muscle and became a starter at tackle on offense, while still being in the rotation of the defensive line. His defensive numbers dropped a little bit, but his importance on the offensive side of the ball was immense.
The Lions began the season with two huge wins over major non-league opponents, Prosser and Rainier Beach.
They went into the league schedule on a roll, and continued their hot streak by winning their first five game against league opponents.
In those games, Lynden was averaging over 300 yards rushing per game behind a revamped line, which Olney was a big part of.
The Lions were then going to face Ferndale in week eight, and this was an enormous game for both teams. Bitter rivals, both undefeated, and as usual, this game was likely going to be deciding who the league champions were going to be.
In a defensive struggle, the Golden Eagles came out on top 7-0.
The Lions were then beat the following week by Sehome, 20-16, and now with the regular season ended, Lynden had good news and bad news.
The good news was that the Lions were back in the state playoffs for the first time in three years. The bad news was the first round opponent was the undisputed number one ranked team in the state, undefeated Lakes.
The Lancers had scored over 70 points three times during the season.
In the first round game, Lynden was down 21-7 heading into the fourth quarter, but the Lions found some magic and was able to tie the game up late when Eric Powell his Darrell Visser with a 48-yard touchdown pass.
And then, with two seconds left, Eli Tadema booted a 33-yard field goal, and the Lions beat Lakes 24-21.
Olney’s blocking helped the way for 278 yards rushing, and a 5.6 average on the ground.
The unranked Lions then faced Rainier Beach in the quarterfinals, a team that Lynden had faced earlier in the season, and defeated, 21-14.
A victory happened once again, this time at the tune of 21-6, with all 226 yards and three touchdowns coming on the ground.
It would be a little bit tougher against West Valley of Yakima in the semifinals, but Kaleb Coleman’s diving catch in overtime gave Lynden a 30-24 victory, and it’s first state final berth for the first time in 10 years.
The magic would run out; however, against a powerful Bellevue squad in the state championship game. The Wolverines got the 42-15 triumph, but Lynden gained belief in themselves, that they can accomplish quite a bit if they work hard enough.
In many ways, Onley’s 2001 season set the tone for the future state championship runs of future Lynden Lion football teams.
After the season, Olney was named All-Northwest League Honorable Mention at offensive line.
Football Career
A true example of what hard work and toughness can do for you. He wasn’t the biggest guy, but his determination landed him a starting spots on the line, on both sides of the ball. He also helped lead his team all the way to the state championship game. It’s players like Olney that solidify a team into being successful.
CAREER DEFENSIVE STATISTICS
