Robin Olds

Bio

Robin Olds, born in Hawaii, spent his high school days in Hampton, Virginia, and played only two years of collegiate football. But those two seasons at West Point were outstanding. The 6-2, 205-pound tackle lettered both seasons and, in 1942, was recognized by Colliers Magazine as "Lineman of the Year" and by famed Grantland Rice as "Player of the Year." Olds played during Earl "Red" Blaik's first season as head coach, as Army compiled a 5-3-1 record, defeating the Citadel, VMI, Yale, Columbia, and West Virginia. The Cadets also tied Notre Dame and dropped decisions to Harvard, Pennsylvania, and Navy. During the 1942 season, when Olds was selected a first-team All-America, Army compiled a 6-3 record, defeating Lafayette, Cornell, Columbia, Harvard, VMI, and Princeton. Olds was elected captain of the 1943 team, but instead left West Point early to serve in World War II. Olds later flew in Vietnam and received the Distinguished Service Medal, four Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Silver Stars, 20 Air Medals, the Legion of Merit, and the Air Force Medal. Promoted to Brigadier General in 1968, he was assigned to the U.S. Air Force Academy as Commandant of Cadets after his return from Southeast Asia.

Career Highlights

• 1942 First Team All-America