LA CROSSE — The poster has some tears in it, and the large CF that represents Chippewa Falls is faded.
Mitch Olson has had this visible in his residence since he was a junior and played football for the Cardinals.
He kept all these years not just out of sentiment but because of the reminder that is printed over the logo.
‘Did you outwork Menomonie today?’
Those words have always motivated Olson. As good as the Cardinals always were, Menomonie wasn’t just the rival but the local — and to a degree statewide — standard when Olson was in high school.
After spending 11 years in La Crosse, the poster is about to make a move and serve more as a warning than motivation. He will now see how hard the Mustangs are working up close and personal.
Olson announced on Tuesday that he is leaving his job as physical education teacher and football coach at Central High School to become a physical education teacher and football coach at Menomonie.
“After going through time and becoming a coach, those feelings you have transition more from rivalry to respect and admiration for a program that has done it the right way,” Olson said of joining a former football enemy.
Olson coached the RiverHawks to a 32-20 overall record and 25-10 MVC record during his five seasons as their leader. Central tied for the conference title in each of the past three seasons, and Olson has been focused in the offseason on keeping his team at the top of those standings in the future.
Olson and his family weren’t looking for a move, but sometimes things just happen.
So when a chance to coach the Mustangs became reality, Olson had to throw his hat in the ring because it wasn’t just about football.
Olson and his wife Katie both have parents in the area. With sons Miller, 6, and Beau, 4, growling quickly, the job also became a way for the boys to be closer to their grandparents.
“My wife and I have been in La Crosse for 11 years, met so many great people and had the opportunity to work with a special group of kids and families, especially those in the football program,” Olson said. “At the same time, I’m excited about the move and happy that the boys will be near their grandmas and grandpas. They’ll be able to watch their grandkids play ball.
“We needed to make the best decision for our family.”
The perk is that he takes over a program that hasn’t missed the WIAA playoffs since 1989. The Mustangs have qualified for the playoffs 39 times and won 78 postseason games. They also play in a very talented Big Rivers Conference that also includes Rice Lake, River Falls, Hudson, New Richmond, Superior and his alma mater — Chippewa Falls. Six of those teams qualified for the playoffs last year.
Coaching against Chippewa Falls — and veteran coach Chuck Raykovich — each season will be uncomfortable for a bit. Olson was a quarterback and safety for Raykovich before graduating in 2009.
Olson talked to Raykovich about the job before accepting it, seeking the same kind of guidance he provides for his current and former players. That bond has been as important to him as football success during his years at Central.
“When I told the players (about the new job), I said, ‘You are losing me as a coach but not as someone who will be there for you and support you for the rest of your life,'” Olson said.
