**For Immediate Release** Jerry Olson Honored for Past Coaching -released by OPSU Campus Communications 09-29-2006 Goodwell, OK - Jerry Olson, Oklahoma Panhandle State University’s Head Women’s Basketball coach and Athletic Director was inducted into the Montana State University Hall of Fame this past weekend in Bozeman. The entire 1995-96 MSU men’s basketball team and coaches were honored at a ceremony that celebrated their achievements. Olson served as assistant coach for the team that won the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division I Big Sky Championship in 1996. The team lost in the first round of the national competition to Syracuse, the team that went on to be beaten in the Championship game by Kentucky. Citing the great individuals that made up the team, he said, “It was one of the best weekends I’ve ever had. Sometimes I wonder why I got into coaching, but now I know why I did.” He went on to say that all of the players were great students and great athletes and now all enjoy successful careers in their chosen fields. Jerry Olson continues that spirit of inspiration today in the OPSU women’s basketball team and exemplifies the characteristics of a first-rate coach. -30-