Football: Olmsted plays big for Packers

Published 12:37 am Saturday, October 6, 2012

Austin's Tommy Olmsted reaches up to stiff-arm Rochester Century's Matthew Buttner during their game Friday night in Rochester. -- Rocky Hulne/sports@austindailyherald.com

ROCHESTER – Austin senior football player Tommy Olmsted is used to being the little guy.

He stands at just 5-feet, 6-inches tall and he weighs 151 pounds, but Olmsted has become more important to the Packers with each game this season.

After starting the season at cornerback, Olmsted has seen time at wide receiver, running back, kick returner, and of course — long snapper.

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“I just love playing football,” Olmsted said. “I’m not exactly a big guy and I get lit up a few times a game. But I go out there and run as hard as I can and give 110 percent. I do whatever I can to help the team out anyway I can.”

Olmsted ran for 68 yards and two scores in Austin’s 40-26 loss at Rochester Century Friday after filling in for the injured Elijah Dahmen.

Olmsted was ready to get the ball, but he doesn’t like seeing one of his teammates go down.

“I love running back and I take any chance to get to play at whatever position they put me at,” he said. “I’m just thankful to be in the game. It’s too bad when somebody gets hurt, but I just try to step up.”