Attorney named Silver Bandits president

Victoria Sun

Tuesday, Oct. 19, 1999 | 9:23 a.m.

Las Vegan Mike Olsen was named president of the Las Vegas Silver Bandits of the International Basketball League Monday afternoon.

The 30-year-old was formerly a lawyer at the firm of Alverson, Taylor, Mortenson, Nelson & Sanders and will take over for acting president Harry Stokes starting Wednesday, when Stokes will resume his role as director of development for the first-year league.

Olsen, a Utah State University graduate, earned his law degree at BYU but has no prior experience in a managerial position with a basketball team.

Stokes and IBL president Thaxter Trafton said they were sold on his enthusiasm and business acumen.

"During the last four months we interviewed a number of candidates all over the country," Trafton said. "To tell you the truth, of the three individuals we narrowed it down to, Mike had the least experience to run a basketball team.

"What he has is a lot of qualities necessary to help this franchise be successful in Las Vegas. He certainly brings to the table the high-energy person we're looking for and a passion for basketball.

"We're convinced Mike is our man."

Olsen will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the team.

"I am excited about the new opportunity to use my skills on something other than the law, but I do anticipate being involved with a lot of contract negotiations," he said.

The Silver Bandits' inaugural season starts Nov. 26 against the San Diego Stingrays at the Thomas and Mack Center.