officials

Kenneth Olson, Sr.

Year Inducted: 1983

Category: Officials

Schools / Organizations: (Chicago) Harrison High School
IHSA
CCIW
NJCAA

Biography: Kenneth Olson, Sr. began officiating basketball as a high school junior at Chicago’s Harrison High. From that start in 1925 at age 16, Olson continued until retiring in 1962. Olsen was a familiar face throughout Northern Illinois and especially in the suburban area. Olsen also officiated in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin and many junior college games. By choice, Olson never worked the state tournament, but was an honorary IHSA referee. Olson showed the sound judgment that he displayed on the basketball floor by retiring “when officiating became work.”