Olewinksi, Larry

Larry Olewinksi – (2006)

 

As the saying goes, “the cream always rises to the top.” This has been Larry Olewinski’s experience throughout his scholastic and collegiate careers. He made up for a lack of size with his speed, sure hands and competitiveness.

He was a wide receiver who ran precision routes and was always able to find a seam in the defensive coverage. He had the ability to move the ball after the catch which led to the added duties of returning punts and kickoffs.

Larry played his scholastic football at Lorain Catholic High School in the tough North Central Conference. Playing for Tim Rose, the highly successful high school and major college coach, Larry was selected First Team All-Conference in his junior (1971) and senior (1972) seasons. As a senior, he was also named to the 1972 All-County team. Tim Rose called him his “go-to receiver” and he was considered a key member of the team. He also played on the Lorain Catholic baseball team for three years.

He continued his distinguished sports career at St. Joseph’s College, a private, liberal arts school in Northwest Indiana. He continued to excel as a wide receiver and kick returner and also added the responsibility of punting.

During his sophomore year (1974), Larry “put it all together.” He led the team in receptions, receiving yards, and average receptions per game. These were not only team highs, but also led the Great Lakes Valley Conference (an NCAA Division II league). His glue-fingered accomplishments earned him a spot on the Little All-American team that year. Joining him in this prestigious honor was future Chicago Bear and Pro Football Hall of Famer Walter Payton. A fierce competitor who always came to play, Larry was noted for making the “big catch.”

Larry culminated his collegiate career having been named All-Conference wide receiver for three consecutive years and earning Most Valuable Offensive Lineman in his conference in 1974. He helped lead the team to the conference championship his senior season. Larry still holds the school record for most career receiving yards. In 1998 he was inducted into the St. Joseph’s College Puma Sports Hall of Fame.

Larry graduated from St. Joseph’s College in 1977 with a BS in Business Administration. He is currently the Sales Director for New York Life Benefit Services, Inc. in Chicago, IL. Larry and his wife, fellow St. Joseph’s graduate Dee, reside in Palos Heights, IL and have three daughters: Shea, Katelyn and Rylee.

*WELCOME, LARRY OLEWINSKI,
INTO THE LORAIN SPORTS HALL OF FAME*