Olver on his way to Boulder
While most of Colorado’s new class of freshmen football players has been in Boulder for several weeks preparing for the upcoming season, Sebastian Olver has been in his native Australia, his stress level rising.
About a week ago, however, Olver — and the Buffs — breathed a sigh of relief as his student visa came through. The 6-foot-4, 245pound athlete will arrive in Boulder later this month, he said, just in time to report for CU’s first day of preseason camp July 28.
“I’m really excited,” he said. “I’ve sacrificed a lot to come to America and play football. I knew it was going to work out and I knew I wasn’t going to give up. I’m just excited it’s finally in writing and I’m coming, getting on a plane. It’s going to be a very long flight, with a lot to think about.”
Olver, who is from Brisbane, came to the U.S. two years ago and played two seasons at Marin Catholic High School in Kentfield, Calif. After high school, he went home to Australia to wait for his student visa to be renewed.
“These visas can be a little tricky, especially if it’s a student visa,” he said. “I’m just relieved.”
Olver has been home for about 2½ months, he said, and joked: “The accent has grown back. It’s been fun seeing my family, but at the same time, it’s been stressful.”
During his time at home, Olver has been lifting weights and running to stay in shape. Over the last couple of weeks, he said he’s dropped a little weight as he works on his speed.
“This has been my dream and it was on hold for a while there, and it was scary,” he said. “I just want to play football. I want to get on the field and I want to get to work and I want to do what I can to help the team. I just want to become a Buffalo. It’s been a long time coming.”
Olver played tight end and defensive end at Marin Catholic. On signing day in February, CU coach Mike MacIntyre said Olver, “plays everything. When he gets here, we’ll see what he can play.”
Olver said he isn’t sure where he’ll end up, but believes he will begin camp at tight end.
“I’ll play wherever Coach wants me to,” he said. “I’ll help wherever they need. I know people probably say it and don’t mean it, but I honestly just want to play where they want me and where I can make a difference.”
In addition to football, Olver said he’s excited to meet freshman kicker James Stefanou, who is from Melbourne.
“It’s going to be good to have a fellow Aussie in Boulder,” he said. “It’s going to be cool.”
In addition, Olver is eager to get on the field with his new team.
“I’m excited to play for coach Mac and the rest of the coaches and become a Buffalo,” he said.
Footnote. The CU athletic Hall of Fame will induct 10 members into its 13th class in November. Going in will be: Stan Brock (football, 1976-79), Chad Brown (football, 1989-92), Frank Brown (skiing, 1957-59), Karrie Downey (volleyball, 199194), Les Fowler (golf player and coach, 1946-76), Steve Hatchell (football and administration, 1966-75), Mark Haynes (football, 1976-79), Jay Humphries (basketball, 1980-84), Jamillah Lang (basketball, 1990-94) and Jorge Torres (cross country and track, 1999-2003).