Teamwork for Johanna

The Luther Track and Field teams showed their support for alumni Johanna Olson (‘01) Saturday, Feb. 6 at the alumni meet. They held a 4-lap walk/jog to raise money for her medical expenses for her ongoing battle with a brain tumor. With roughly 300 people in attendance, including alumni, athletes and Luther staff, they were able to raise over $1,200.

Head Coach Jeff Wettach informed the team the previous Friday of the plan to help Olson. Although the team does not know Olson personally, they were supportive and eager to help.

“I think it’s important for track members to know about the history of the program,” Wettach said. What made Johanna significant is that she overcame many obstacles and persevered.”

Having discovered a brain tumor during her first year at Luther, Olson’s struggles continued into her sophmore year as she fought another tumor.

“The team and all of Luther showed such great support,” Olson said.

Olson had to make daily trips to the Rochester Mayo Clinic during her sophomore year for treatments.

“I never made the trip alone,” Olson said. “Someone from the Luther community always drove me. Now that is incredible.”

During her time at Luther, Olson was awarded the Honda Award, a national award presented to a person each year for their inspiration.

“They could not have picked a better recipient or person,” Wettach said.

As a member of the track and field team at Luther, Olson could not have asked for a more positive experience. She still has strong ties to Luther.

“Running at Luther was a tremendous experience because of the closeknit team we had and the coaching staff,” Olson said.

Wettach reflects on how a community can have such long term effects.

“One thing I hope students have when they leave the program is loyalty for Luther, and Johanna has that,” Wettach said.

Olson has left a lasting impression on the Luther track and field program as well as other members of the community. The current track and field athletes are proud to have supported her.