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Health & Fitness

More than a Threat. (The Passion)

A one on one with the heart and soul of the Racine Threat, the owner Erik Olson. His thoughts on the community, what drives him to be successful, what the team means to his personal life and more!!

The man is driven by passion. 

His outbursts are comical at times, but they’re motivated by the fire that burns inside of him. He lives and dies for this team.  Everything in his life is dictated by what goes on with the 59 other men that surround him.  His phone can’t be turned off when he sleeps, if he gets any rest. Why? Because 24 hours a day his brothers know he’s there if they need him.  He’s been called on many times in the past, and he has done everything in his power to deliver.  His name is Erik Olson.  He is the Owner and starting right guard of the Racine Threat.

If I had any journalism experience, I’d take excerpts of the questions I asked him and write you a great story…. I don’t, and I won’t for the simple fact that… every question I asked had a great answer.  I don’t want you to miss a thing!

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Q. What the first thing that comes to mind when someone says "Who or What is the Racine Threat?"

A. We’re a TRUE home town team made up of many hard working every day guys that love the game of football.

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Q. What would your ideal relationship with the community be?

A. I would like us to be a welcome and liked organization. I want the community to be proud of us, and to represent us whole heartedly! People don’t know us because we are that OTHER team. But we are your neighbors!!  We live here, work here, shop here, and raise our families here too. We are Racine.

Q. Where did you grow up and how many people from that neighborhood are aware of what you're doing now?

A. I grew up on the south side, off of Taylor ave. 19th and Flett were my stomping grounds. Knapp school area. Most people who are still there are aware. Our very own Coach Saldana, James "Herbie", and Juan Ayala come form that same hood. Matter of fact my neighborhood was a huge athletic neighborhood.  Several standout players that went to Park High School in the early to late 80's and 90's came from my hood.

Q. You've sacrificed a LOT for this team, what makes it all worth it?

A. To feel I've made a difference in this world by giving these guys the chance to play football. It also gives me a sense of accomplishment.  The brotherhood and family like atmosphere are also another huge part. The honor of going to battle with my teammates in these games and the feeling of being someone important, relied on and respected all make it worth while.

Q. When your days as a player are done, how will you satisfy your NEED for football through this team?

A. I'll try to grow the team's identity and success. Putting time into things that I'd like to do now but cant, due to me playing. I'm still smoothing out the bumps.

Q. Would you be willing to change the name to the Kenosha Threat since we're forced to play our home games there?

A. No!! I won't be run out of this town! We've proven we can coexist.  We just cant play at Horlick Field. I have faith that something will happen for us.  All we need is a stadium like Ameche, (Kenosha Tremper) but in Racine. I dream of it.... something to call home in Racine would be an honor. This town is rich in sports history and we would like to be apart of that.

Q. What's the hardest thing you've ever had to do as an owner?

A. I had to fire a friend.  I had to let a man go who dedicated his free time to the team, but he didn't share the same vision as myself.  Not a good feeling.

Q. How do you have any time for YOU when you have to be a Father, an employee, a boyfriend, an owner and a football player?

A. I dont. A lot of my personal time is this team. It consumes me. I live and breathe it. I'm what makes it tick. It's really hard to just turn it off.  It has become part or most of my life. I have learned to encompass it.  Still I know I need to put more back into my girlfriend and our kids. They are what matters most to me. But then I wonder who I would be without football, it defines me.

Q. Your love for the team in undeniable.... you're the beating heart of the franchise and the driving force behind it.  Where does the passion come from?

A. It ties into who I'd be without football. I never want it to end. I like feeling relied on, like I can’t let the other 59 guys down. I was meant to do this.

Q. Your daughters are always around, how do you feel they perceive the team?

A. They love it in their own way. I know they are proud of me, I can see it in their eyes.  I could see them some day being a very active part of the team in some manner.

Q. On your WORST day, in your darkest hour, who do you turn to? 

A. My girlfriend Kelly. She's been so supportive of me & she's right by my side with me with this team. She helps out alot. She does alot of things most people dont hear of. She's also helped me be a better person.

Q. Anything else you'd like to share?

A. I'd just like to thank Kelly, once again for all she does. I'd like to thank everyone that puts their time into the team. Most importantly I'd like to say thank you to all of our sponsors and supporters. Without these people we're nothing!

His last statement is 100% true.  Without you guys, all the blood sweat and tears that every player, coach and owner put into this semi pro football means nothing.  We love the game of football, and we play it because it takes us back to a period of innocence.  A time when nothing else mattered.  As soon as you pull the jersey over the shoulder pads, strap up the helmet and step on the field… you're free.  But without you, the logo and team name are meaningless.  Without the community, we’re just some guys throwing the ball around twice a week.  We represent our city with honor.  We put that logo on our helmets to show our unity. We travel out of town in our own vehicles to bring awareness around the Midwest of a town that we love.  All Erik and the rest of us want is the same love in return!  Erik isn’t just a player and the owner of the Racine Threat, he’s MORE THAN A THREAT

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