Worth Noting
Strong defensive catcher who does a good job of receiving and blocking...is a big, physical left-handed hitter...should see considerable playing time, especially as he adjusts to the college game.

Pre-SIU
Attended Olympia High School, where he helped lead his team to a Class A state baseball championship, while going 35-1 as a junior...threw out 16 of 19 baserunners during that year...also hit .321 with two home runs and 22 RBI...as a senior, hit .404 with nine home runs and was both an all-state and all-conference selection.

Personal
Full name is John Rush Olson...Pre-Major...born May 1, 1984...son of John and Linda Olson...has one sister, Meredith...favorite professional sports team is the Atlanta Braves...following graduation, wants to go into conservation or be a fireman if baseball doesn't lead him to the next level.