Oelsner named to Blue-Grey All-American squad

When former Denver Bronco Matt McChesney shows up at your high school, people tend to notice.

McChesney, a former lineman for the Denver Broncos among other pro teams, returned to Niwot High School, his alma mater, to announce the selection of NHS senior Alex Oelsner to the Blue-Grey High School All-American football squad Dec. 2.

McChesney, a 2000 NHS grad, now owns and operates Six Zero Strength and Fitness in Denver, a gym that caters to high school and college athletes who want to play at the next level. He also serves as a west coast scout for the Blue-Grey All-American squad, and will also coach the offensive linemen in games in Dallas and Oakland under head coach and former pro George Teague.

Oelsner, who played tight end for Niwot, will likely be an H back on the squad, if he recovers from a knee injury in time. The Dallas game is scheduled for Dec. 22 at the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium, with the Oakland game set for Jan. 21 at the Oakland Raiders’ Coliseum. A Jacksonville game is also scheduled for Jan. 14.

Oelsner regularly works out at McChesney’s facility. “He walked into my gym two years ago with a dream,” McChesney said, describing Oelsner’s path to selection. “I look for kids who work hard. ‘AO’ put on 30 pounds, and his strength numbers went through the roof. The players know.”

McChesney described Olsner’s commitment to getting better. “Four or five times a week he would drive down. I saw him against Frederick and I knew he was a Division I football player. Now he has six offers.”

Olsner has not yet decided where he will play in college, but the opportunities are there. With college recruiters packing the stands, the Blue-Grey game gives exposure to players who might not otherwise perform against top competition.

“I want to thank all my coaches, all my teammates, and my parents, who put a lot of time and money into this,” Oelsner said in accepting the Blue-Grey jersey presented by McChesney. “And thanks to Matt for really showing me what hard work is.”

Others from Colorado who have been selected to the Blue-Grey team include Matt McClurg from Heritage, Jackson Block from Columbine, Mikey Griebel from Columbine, Dylan Hold from Vista Peak, Elijah Reed from Vista Peak, and Brandon Micale from Pomona.