NeveHarms In 1986 Mike Olson continued his long years of volunteer work with the Peoria area youth in hockey and baseball. He has directed youth hockey clinics yearly for the past 15 years and has served two three-year terms on the Peoria Youth Hockey Board of Directors. In addition he has devoted his time to teaching Bergan and Richwoods hockey clubs, and this year is coaching the Peoria Bantams (14 & 15 year olds) travel hockey team.
For 10 years Mike has coached the Fresh-Soph and Prep League baseball teams, and yet has reserved time to coach in the Von Steuben Little League Program for a four year period.
After graduation from Richwoods High School, Mike attended Michigan State University where he lettered in hockey and baseball. Then he accepted an assistantship at Bowling Green State University which involved coaching responsibilities in hockey and baseball. When he returned to Peoria he formed and coached the Peoria Blades Hockey team for its life span of 11 years.
Mike is a math teacher and varsity baseball coach at Peoria High School. He and his wife, Lauren Jo, have two children, Jennifer and Brian.
| Junior and Jackie Watkins Junior and Jackie coordinated basketball and golf events for the Elks organization on an international level when Junior served as the Grand Athletic Global Director for 20 years. The Watkins’ founded and ran the Hersey Hawkins Summer League for 35 years. Junior was the league commissioner while Jackie oversaw scoring, scheduling and other matters. Each served on the Peoria Park District Athletic Advisory Board. Junior has been a member of the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame board for over 20 years and Jackie has lent her singing voice to the GPSHOF banquet for years. The couple was involved with PHY (People Helping Youth), a non-profit designed to help Little League Baseball at State Park. Junior has been a volunteer official for Caterpillar Leagues and a volunteer host for the IHSA state basketball tournament. |  |