Chippewa Valley Times

Ricky Lang, an assistant football coach at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, has been honored with the 2024 Ade & Margaret Olson Coaching Award. The award will be presented to Lang at the Blugold Athletics End-of-Year Banquet.

The Ade & Margaret Olson Coaching Award provides a $500 cash stipend to part-time assistant coaches, graduate assistants, or community coaches within the Blugold sports program's 25 sports. This award commemorates Ade and Margaret Olson, known for their dedication to student education at UW-Eau Claire. It acknowledges those who show "a deep commitment to the student-athletes and embody a passion for lifelong learning and a love of the game."

Lang serves as the defensive line coach for the Blugolds. According to UW-Eau Claire Head Football Coach Rob Erickson, Lang exhibits exceptional energy and attention to detail while maintaining a strong passion for his players. Beyond coaching on the field, Lang spends over 15 hours weekly in one-on-one meetings with his 19-player position group. These "truth statement" meetings contribute to high GPAs and strengthen personal connections.

In addition to his coaching duties, Lang volunteers 12 hours weekly throughout the year to improve team strength, speed, and agility in the weight room. He begins his volunteer workday at 5:30 a.m., assisting until 8:30 a.m., followed by his regular work schedule from 8:30 a.m. until 8 p.m., totaling around 80 hours weekly under a part-time contract.

"(Ricky) does this while never asking for anything in return," Erickson stated. "This loyalty, passion and humility is a great example of what a great assistant coach looks like."

Under Lang's guidance in the 2023 season, Malik Johnson was named to WIAC's All-Sportsmanship Team, while Brady Puls received recognition as WIAC Newcomer of the Year last year.