Deseret Morning News, Saturday, February 28, 2004

Energizer: Olympus honors inspiring student

By Tiffany Erickson
Deseret Morning News

Because 16-year-old Craig Strasser has touched and inspired hundreds, his many friends and admirers at Olympus High School have banded together to reward him for being a bright spot in their lives.

Craig Strasser hugs Olympus athlete Andrew Peterson after receiving school's Outstanding Booster Award. Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret Morning News

Strasser was born with Williams syndrome, a disorder that hinders the reasoning portion of the brain and brings other physical disabilities. He is small in stature, but friends at Olympus say he has the biggest heart of anyone they know. 

His father, John Strasser, said one of the effects of the syndrome is to give his son a "cocktail personality." He is always up, always on a high with constant enthusiasm. He fears no one, loves everyone and has become Olympus' reigning socialite.

But Strasser's main passion lies in sports. In fact, his role in inspiring and supporting Olympus football and basketball has been compared to that depicted in the recent movie "Radio."

Earlier this week, student-body officers and cheerleaders lined up in front of a packed house during halftime of the school's last regional basketball game to award Strasser the Outstanding Booster Award for excellence in sportsmanship.

"Be it rain, shine, sleet or snow, he has stood on the line and supported his teams, and we wanted to honor him for his service," said principal Paul Hansen.

It was a surprise for Strasser that came with his own new letter jacket.

The audience, with many wet eyes, gave him a standing ovation — even those on the opposing team.

Strasser responded with hands in the air, "We're gonna be the champions!"

Since then, said Strasser's mother, Debra, he has rarely taken off the jacket. The day after he received the award he turned to her, out of the blue, and said, "Mom, yesterday was the best day of my life."

From early elementary school, Strasser has been a big sports fan. At home he can be seen in pictures with Karl Malone and Jeff Hornacek. But when his older siblings went into high school, he became Olympus' biggest sports fan.

Craig Strasser hugs his father, John, after receiving his own letter jacket — and a standing ovation — during a halftime presentation. Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret Morning News

His involvement with the teams started a few years ago with Olympus' former football coach, Mike Miller. Strasser always ran on the field after the game to greet the players and cheer his older brother on. During one game, Miller asked him to come into the locker room with the team.

From that moment, Strasser was hooked. Now, about four years later, he is considered part of both the basketball and football teams.

He has a sideline pass during football season and sits on the bench with the team during basketball season, never missing the half-time locker-room pep talks. He attends after-school practices and helps the team out in any way he is able.

Matt Barnes, the school's basketball coach, said Strasser is an incredible source of inspiration for them.

"His presence is just awesome — to see a kid so full of life, so happy," said Barnes. "It brings a lot to our program, and you look forward to seeing him every day — he's just our guy."

But aside from the teams, Hansen said the teen's presence alone contributes to the school. He greets everyone he sees — teachers, students and strangers — with a smile, a high-five or a hug and has a calming and loving presence.

"He has a gift to make a heart connection with everyone he comes in contact with," said Hansen. "Craig brings great lessons to Olympus High — no matter what your ability, you can make a contribution."

E-mail: terickson@desnews.com