When talking about the biggest moments in Kamloops football, it is impossible to omit Brian Olthuis. He was lured into the world of coaching after relocating from Edmonton in the early 1970’s. The rest, as they say, is history. He led John Peterson Secondary to an unprecedented nine consecutive city championships.
After moving on to Kamloops Secondary (better known as Kam high) in 1984, Olthuis put their program on the map by winning back to back provincial titles in ’85 and ’86: something unheard of from an interior school. Another provincial title would follow in 1990. Brian has also been involved in coaching at the provincial level and was part of Team BC that won the Canada Cup in 1999.
He will be recognized at Thursday’s Orange Helmet Awards with the Bob Ackles lifetime achievement honour.
Olthuis has a banner at South Kamloops Secondary honouring his works as a builder. The head coach was honoured at the 2005 Orange Helmet Awards as scholastic coach of the year. This year he will also be inducted to the Kamloops Sports Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2016.
He remains an integral part of the football landscape in BC as an official.
Click here for more information on the 2016 Orange Helmet Awards.