Olson has been working the sidelines since 1974

It was 1974. Teenagers blared Lynyrd Skynrd’s_ “Sweet Home Alabama” on the radio and did their best “Bennie and the Jets” impersonations._ Thousands of people flocked to the theater to see Mel Brooks’_ “Blazing Saddles” and the cinematic thriller “The Towering Inferno.” And families around the country gathered around the television to watch_ “All in the Family” and the “Carol Burnet Show” on Saturday night._ Today, things are different, way different._ People_ can choose from hundreds of television channels. Students can listen to music, talk with their friends, watch a movie, and do homework on a device that easily fits in their back pocket._ However, a few constants remain. Leaves turn in the fall, elections happen in November, and high school football games are played on Friday night. And this friday at Laney Field referees will wear striped shirts, chinstraps will be snapped, and Dennis Olson will don a vest as a member of the chain gang._ “It’s just something I do,” says Olson who has been working the sideline for Cardinal football games since 1974._ A native of Plum City, Olson graduated from Prescott High School in 1956 where he participated in football, basketball, baseball, and track throughout his preparatory years._ Olson and his wife Diane raised three children Denise, Dave, and Dan who all graduated from Prescott._ As his two sons began playing football, Olson, along with friends John Magee and Bill Most volunteered to serve as members of the chain gang._ And since 1974, Olson has been a Friday night fixture.__ “The game has changed quite a bit,” says Olson._ “Back when I was playing if a team threw five passes in a game that was a lot. Everybody ran the football and when it come to extra points, very few if anybody kicked the extra point.”

A linebacker in high school, Olson along with senior teammates Donald Rohl, Bill Most, and Arnold Sumter played Ellsworth, Elmwood, and Boyceville._ The Cardinals, led by Head Coach Robert Olson and Assistant Cal Timm,, also played Holcombe and Tony. “We played eight man football back then and wore helmets without any chinstraps._ So, it’s quite a bit different today.”

With a game time view perhaps envied by many, Olson says the view at times is not the best._ “Sometimes it’s the worst spot to be in because all you see is the linesman’s rear end,” says a chuckling Olson. “But it has been fun to be on the field. There have been a lot memorable games played at Laney Field over the years and I have been lucky enough to have a pretty good seat.”

Olson also recalls how the field never used to be lined with hash marks years ago._ “The markings and lines on the field have also made a big difference for us and the officials._ Spotting the ball was much more difficult then, but thankfully that has changed.” When it comes to memorable Cardinal players, the former linebacker admits an affinity for players on the defensive side of ball._ And after watching hundreds of games over the years the long time Prescott resident recalls specifically the ferocious play of Tom Swanson._ “He was a great player on both offense and defense and was really fun to watch.”_ Olson also mentioned the exploits of 2004 Prescott graduate and former NFL player Nick Schommer and lauded the accomplishments of Cardinal kicker and former Wisconsin Badger Mike Allen._ “I will never forget that 57 yard field goal he kicked against Boyceville._ That was something.”

But it’s not just the players he remembers. Olson opines about the relationships he has developed with coaches and referees over the years._ “You really get to know the officiating crews over the years,” says Olson._ “Jeff Linehan and Dan Hoffman, those two guys always have something to say,” says a smiling Olson. “I have gotten along with all the refs over the years, but from time to time if I say something to a Prescott player during the game, I might get a stern look from an official, but that’s about it when it comes to negative interaction.”

When it comes to coaches, Olson singles out longtime Somerset Head Coach Bruce Larson. “He really knows the game and it’s easy to see why he has been so successful,” says Olson. “He will stand next to me and say ‘If he makes this block this will be a big play’ and 90% of the time he is right.”_ The camaraderie Olson has developed with Prescott coaches and Athletic Directors over the years has made his chain gang experience all the more enjoyable._ “I have gone to lots of games over the years. Football, basketball, baseball, it’s fun being a fan.”_ When asked if his home town bias manifests itself while holding the yardstick, Olson admits it is tough at times to control your emotions. _ “I think it is always difficult to do that when you are watching your own kids play and as a parent you get caught up in the game. Every parent wants their kids to do well.”_ And Olson confesses it’s even tougher to stand mute as he watches his grandchildren play wearing the same uniform colors he did over five decades ago._ An avid hunter and former runner, the svelte Olson has no plans to give up his duties._When Prescott squares off against Osceola this Friday night at Laney Field the teams will still need_ ten yards for a first down._ Each quarter will be 12 minutes long._ And Dennis Olson will be clutching a yardstick like he was in 1974 and maybe, just maybe humming a tune from that same bygone era._