Clayton Ollendieck shines on gridiron at Troy University

ALABAMA - Clayton Ollendieck, a 2018 Crestwood High School graduate, is eager to begin his senior season for the Troy University Football Team. Clayton is the son of Craig and Laurie Ollendieck of Cresco.

While at Crestwood, Ollendieck helped the Cadets win a district title during the 2016 season. After graduating from Crestwood, he played football at Iowa Central Community College for two seasons. 

He was then offered a full football scholarship to compete for the Troy University Trojans in Troy, Alabama, where he is currently a senior tight end. Prior to the start of the 2023 season, he was added to the Wuerffel Trophy Watch List. This award is named after Danny Wuerffel, the 1996 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from the University of Florida, who transferred his success on the football field into a lifetime of service. In late July, Ollendieck took part in the Sun Belt Conference Media Days in New Orleans.

Ollendieck noted there were many adjustments he had to make going from playing high school football to Junior College (Iowa Central) to Division I football (at Troy University).

“The biggest differences from high school to Junior College ball are the specialized positions, getting good at the craft and techniques that go with it,” Ollendieck said. “It is also an adjustment transitioning into a college level playbook understanding different formations, route concepts, play calling procedures, and more specific situations. It was a time of continued development both mentally and physically to have a marketable resume as a recruit for a Division I college.

“Junior College to Troy was an interesting transition, when you consider how far I moved away from home. It was a little bit of a culture shock and enduring the brutal southern heat. Football rhythms and flows were about the same, but the additional standards and expectations of a Division I football program were very apparent,” he noted.

Ollendieck said that playing college football has helped him develop and mature.

“My favorite part of college football is the development you get as a young man,” he said. “Taking on positions of leadership, getting out of your comfort zone on a regular basis and being guided by intelligent and successful coaches and professors who have nothing but the best intentions for your future as it directly reflects their influence.

“One of the biggest challenges of being a college athlete is taking care of your body to not only stay healthy all throughout the year, but also perform at your best on the biggest stages when it’s required,” Ollendieck said.

He noted that he has made several strong friendships since joining the Trojans.

“Obviously the friendships and connections I have built over my time as an athlete are on top of the list,” Ollendieck said. “But also experiencing a winning season (in 2022), finishing as a top 20 team in the country, and bringing a conference championship and bowl win to Troy University was awesome. Being able to reflect on all the indirect lessons a football season teaches you is my favorite part though. Pushing through adversity, sacrificing for those around you, and seeing delayed gratification work is magic and very rewarding.”

Ollendieck is currently working toward his Master’s Degree.