Phil Olds

Born in Santa Barbara, Phil Olds grew up in Summerland and was a star athlete during his high school days in Carpinteria. Olds was named MVP six times and in his senior year was MVP in the four major sports: football, basketball, track and baseball.

In 1939, Oldswas chosen the Most Valuable Southern California High School Baseball Player of the Year. Olds was also a member of the Helms Hall of Fame for Southern California High School Athletes and was selected to the News-Press All-Time County Baseball Team. Olds’ coach, Merle Staub, called Phil Olds “One of the finest high school athletes I have ever seen. ”

Olds is also a charter member of Carpinteria High School Hall of Fame. He attended the University of Southern California on an athletic scholarship, but his activities were cut short by World War II. He served five years in the Merchant Marine as a Deck Officer. Following World War II, Olds joined the Santa Barbara City Fire Department, where he served for almost thirty years. During his Fire Department years, he competed vigorously in the City Softball and Basketball Leagues.

Asked about his fondest memory while participating in Warrior athletics, Olds states: “Beating Glendale Hoover in basketball in my junior year.” Later that year, Warriors went on to win the CIF. In those days there were no divisions in the CIF. A second fond memory was beating Santa Barbara High the same year. His worst memory was “losing in basketball to Ventura in the CIF playoffs in my senior year.” Phil and his wife, Terri, have four grown children: Kristen, Kimberly, Beth and Rick.

Download this page from the 1997 Hall of Fame Banquet Program