The 2018 recipient of the $500 Duane Olson Memorial Athletic Scholarship is Weston Allderdice, son of Dave Allderdice and Dusty Allderdice. This award was established in May of 1997 by Jim and Marla Ray in remembrance of Duane Olson who graduated from Big Sandy High School with Jim in 1967.
When he graduated from Big Sandy High School, Duane was considered one of the top prep athletes in Montana, having claimed three consecutive state titles in wrestling at 145 pounds. In those days, wrestlers competed in an All-Class championship made up of all the AA, A, B, and C schools from across Montana. Duane was a natural athlete, outstanding in football and track, as well as a good student. But wrestling was where he found his niche.
Upon his graduation from high school, Duane was recruited by one of the most prestigious wrestling programs in the nation at Iowa State University. He had a very good freshman season on the mat, continually improving. Dan Gable, future Olympic wrestler and future Iowa State wrestling coach, was Duane's practice partner.
Unfortunately, Duane's life was cut short. But his name is well-remembered among sports-minded people across this state and beyond. In 2000, when a selection of the top 100 athletes of Montana during the 20th century was compiled, Duane Olson's name was on that list.
The criteria for this award named in Duane's honor is that a senior athlete must have shown the ability, character, and dedication necessary to excel in sports throughout his/her high school years, competing at the state level. Weston Allderdice has competed at the state wrestling meet and was named to the All-State football team for Class C 6-Man football. In the recent All-State football game held in Highwood, MT, Weston was named MVP on offense.
Weston has enlisted in the United States Air Force. His tenacity and focus in sports will be great assets in the military. Congratulations, Weston, and God go with you.
