Track Coach Jason Olford hasn’t always been a track coach. Olford was born and raised in Lufkin, Texas. Olford was an athlete throughout his high school career and was a three sport athlete; he competed in track, basketball and football. After graduating in 1997, he earned a football scholarship to Kilgore College and later transferred to Louisiana Tech. Olford became the starting defensive back for Tech.
In his senior year at Tech, when playing the University of Nevada, the Raging Cajuns trailed 21-0 in the first half.
“Our offense had just turned the ball over again and everyone was down,” Olford said. “Then the quarterback threw one my way and it was a pick six for 60 yards. It was a game changing play that helped us go on to win.”
After just two seasons, he had 86 tackles, nine interceptions. He also averaged 0.5 interceptions per game, which ranked 15th nationally, he still appreciates all the hard work it took to get there.
“It felt good, I definitely had to work. I spent a lot of hours early into the morning and late into the night working to get better and improve,” Olford said
The defensive back graduated from Louisiana Tech with a degree in sociology and always felt education came first.
“You have to have a plan of graduating and getting a degree. Work hard and know where you want to be in life and the price you have to pay,” Olford said.
The National Football League and its scouts caught wind of Olford’s accomplishments at the collegiate level. August 6, 2002 the Baltimore Ravens signed Olford who had gone undrafted. Olford joined a roster full of prolific defensive greats such as Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, also coming in as a rookie was soon to be great, linebacker Bart Scott. Olford became friends with Scott and Reed.
“I still talk to Bart Scott, but the last time I talked to Ed Reed was about two years ago,” Olford said.
Roughly six percent of high school seniors play football at an NCAA college. Only two percent of college seniors are drafted by the NFL. Olford played with the Jaguars, Ravens, Barcelona Dragons and B.C. Lions at the professional level.
“Playing in the NFL was an awesome experience just being around so many great athletes and the best football players in the world,” Olford said. “It was great being rewarded by playing for two NFL teams.”
Olford now coaches cross country, track and teaches in the special education department. Olford’s career as an athlete has carried over and helps him to relate and motivate his athletes.
“Having Olford as a coach is great; He motivates us to work hard every day”, athlete Brandon Young said. “He has a very optimistic attitude”.
