Bears' Olsen a big draw

Dec/03/08 08:25 PM Filed in: Greg Olsen
GregOlsen
McHENRY – Hundreds stood in line Tuesday to get Greg Olsen’s autograph at Dick’s Sporting Goods in McHenry.

Some were children with stars in their eyes, and some were seasoned autograph hunters.

Olsen, the Chicago Bears’ 23-year-old first-round draft pick two years ago, had the day off and was participating in the Northwest Herald’s 18th annual Cans for Christmas and Toys for Tots drive.

People in line donated toys and food to needy families, and in return Olsen signed whatever they put before him.

Tony Petrat pulled his 12-year-old son, Zayne Petrat, out of Lake Geneva Middle School at lunchtime so they could be the first in line. They got to Dick’s at 1 p.m. Olsen didn’t appear until about 7 p.m.

The Petrats were part of a group that called themselves “The Bear-Stalker Posse.”

The “core group” included Chris Pugesek of Fox Lake; the Petrats, formerly of Johnsburg; and Merry Ladewig and Sherri Bulow of Antioch. 

They met about 18 months ago in a frenzy to get Fergie Jenkins’ autograph. They kept on bumping into one another waiting in such lines and became friends.

What did they all think of Olsen as a player?

“He’s a star in the making,” Pugesek said.

Bob and Amy Slawitschka of Spring Grove attended the event with their sons – Will, 5, and Cole, 9.

Cole stepped up to the table where Olsen spent two hours signing photographs of himself, jerseys, footballs and other Bear baubles.

Cole put Olsen’s rookie-year player card on the table in front of the burly tight end. Olsen’s rookie-year card shows him with his college team, the University of Miami. The Bears took Olsen in the first round. He was the 31st pick overall.

Olsen made Cole smile when he signed the card.

“I like your hair,” Olsen said. “You’ve got hair like me!”

(nwherald.com)