Mariner wrestling coach resigns

Published 3:51 pm Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Otto Olson’s successful run at Mariner is over.

After coaching the Mariner High School wrestling team for six seasons, Olson resigned earlier this month. Scott Powers, Mariner’s athletic director and assistant principal, received Olson’s resignation on Aug. 3.

A former star wrestler at Everett High School, Olson guided the Marauders to three league championships and his wrestlers earned 17 top-eight individual placings at the state tournament. Olson said he resigned because he was unable to get a teaching position at Mariner and no longer wanted to be an out-of-building coach.

Olson said he will continue to teach and coach at Explorer Middle School, which feeds wrestlers to the Mukilteo School District’s two high schools, Mariner and Kamiak. Olson also said he will pursue other high school coaching opportunities.

“It’s tough to see him go. He’s been a strong coach and a positive influence,” Powers said.

Mariner hopes to replace Olson with a coach who has similar energy and enthusiasm, Powers added. The school district began seeking applicants this week and would like to hire someone by mid-September. Matt Krier, Olson’s top assistant at Mariner, has expressed interest in the job, Powers said.

The Mariner job was Olson’s first as a head coach. He guided the Marauders to an undefeated league dual-meet record in his debut season (2003-04). It included a come-from-behind victory over his alma mater in Everett’s gym — the place where Olson dominated for four years as a competitor. He was a three-time state champion at Everett (1994-96). His win-loss record was 137-5.

After that, Olson excelled in college. He was a three-time All-American at the University of Michigan, where his record was 176-24.

Mike Cane: mcane@heraldnet.com. Check out the prep sports blog Double Team at cmg-northwest2.go-vip.net/heraldnet/doubleteam.