Kennedy’s coach rises to occasion even when players don’t

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Mitch Olson of Kennedy was one of my favorite coaches before Saturday night. My respect for him increased more in the aftermath of his team’s 17-7 loss to Garden Grove Pacifica.

After the clock expired and teams were in line to shake hands, one of his players jerked the helmet off his head and threw a one-man fit off to the side, maybe for the benefit of no one but himself -- but clearly in view of everyone who could see the field.

Olson walked over and got in his face: ‘You put your helmet on and act like a man right now!’

The kid took his place in line. The team wasn’t rushed off the field. And Olson stayed and answered every question.

He’s a class act.

- Martin Henderson