Vern Olsen is recognized for his years of dedication to the development of leadership and citizenship in young people through the sport of wrestling

* Coached High School Wrestling for thirty one years

* Oregon Junior National Coach for seven years

* Coached eighteen Mt. Hood Conference Champions

* Portland Wrestling Officials -Official of the Year

* Portland Wresting Association---Coach of the Year

A native of Selma, Alabama, Vern moved to Oregon as a child and graduated from Scappoose High School. He earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Lewis & Clark College. Vern went on to coach wrestling for thirty one years in Oregon Middle and High Schools, finishing his career at Centennial High School, where he was head coach for nine years. He was twice selected Mt. Hood Conference Coach-of-the-Year.

For his dedication and lasting influence on wrestling, VernbOlsen is presented the National Wrestling Hall of Fame's "Lifetime Service to Wrestling" award for the class of 2006.