Rick's Auto-bio  May 9, 2003

5/9/03

Eric “A.” Olander (Rick) short Biography

 I was born in Fort Collins on 5/9/48. Some of my best childhood memories revolve around watching my older brother Roger compete in the Pole Vault (Metal) and Hurdles at Grossmont High School. In 1966 I graduated from Helix High School in La Mesa California one year after brother Byron. I would later become a teacher and track coach there. Byron’s 1965,100 yd Dash  record (10.5) was converted to Meters and just broken last year. I vaulted 14'7" and ran the 120 highs in 14.8. At S.D.S.U. I vaulted 16' 8" and made 17' once in practice. I was a Team Co-Captain. Linda and I met at State.

I have been married twice, Phyllis is Brian’s mom and Linda is Grant’s. I live a pretty quiet life now, in my small house, just East of Mission Bay and La Jolla. I work out at the Y.M.C.A. and Bike on the Bay. My favorite movie is Cannery Row. My favorite author is Tony Hillerman and my favorite music includes; The Police, Fleetwood Mac, America, Journey and  Phil Collins. My favorite artists are The Hudson River School, Kadinsky, Calder, David Smith and Joseph Cornell. Grant and I see a Movie about every two weeks( X-Men 2 was great). I always look forward to a good action or outdoor story. Grant and I have vacationed in Yellowstone, The Sierra Mts., Hawaii and Washington D.C. I have a small collection of digital photos of the local area and would be willing to share. I would enjoy receiving photos from relatives. I hear from my sister Ann regularly from Nebraska. I have just written about  ten virtues for success for  my students. I will enclose it with this letter. I have spent a great deal of time on a project (seminar) called Harmony Quest. My E-Mail address is ericolander@msn.com. I have been a teacher for 30 years. I started in Physical Education and moved into the Special Ed., Resource classroom. In 1988, at Mount Miguel High School I was named San Diego County Track Coach of the Year when our team won the County Championship and was sixth in the Calif. State Meet. I stopped coaching in 1990.

 Brian was born on 5/5/65. He goes by the last name of Zender, which his mother took with her second marriage. He has two half-sisters. Brian graduated from Crawford High school where he competed in Water Polo and Swimming. He set a San Diego County, single season, scoring record of 176 goals. He went on to play at Mesa College and was a Junior College All-American. His wife Anne was attending U.C.S.D. when they met. Brian has a Bachelor’s degree in Business and is the Western States, Sales Manager for The Calloway Golf Company. He travels a lot but, loves coaching his boys, Spencer (10/20/91) and Lucas (8/10/94) in Pony League Baseball. They both, are also on travel teams. Brooke (3/29/97) just finished soccer and has started Gymnastics. Brian and Anne have a very active social life. Anne has recently taken a position with their Home Association in Carlsbad. She likes to help family and friends with interior decorating. I keep her away from my house as much as possible! Brian, Grant and I all like to watch open-wheel and Nascar racing.

Grant is graduating from University City High School,. He played Baseball and Basketball. His senior year, shoulder problems ended his baseball pursuits.. He was honored as a San Diego Union-Tribune Scholar Athlete. He enjoys a good debate in his Government Class and has a healthy, fun social life. Grant has been accepted by Long Beach State and U.C. Riverside. He has declared Film at Long Beach. Grant, Linda and I visited the department’s open house in late March.