Powell High School senior Olie Olson didn’t wait. Once the window opened for the NCAA spring signing period, the Panther inked his name on the dotted line early Wednesday morning, making official his intent to play football for the Colorado Mesa University Mavericks this fall.

“Olie is a tough, hard-nosed, aggressive player,” Mavericks’ head coach Russ Martin wrote on the university’s website in announcing Olson’s signing. “He competes every snap and has big play ability. He is an explosive player and plays with great effort.”

Olson played an integral role for the Panthers this season as he helped lead the team to a 3A state football championship. Olson picked off a two-point conversion pass in the state championship game and was also responsible for scoring the winning touchdown as a receiver in the school’s semifinal victory at Green River.

Olson was a two-time all-state selection who was named the 2011 Wyoming defensive player of the year after setting a state record with nine interceptions this season.

“I’m thrilled for Olie,” said Powell High School football coach Jim Stringer. “Any time one of our players is given the opportunity to continue his football career at the next level, it is exciting for me and the rest of the coaching staff. Olie is a great kid, wonderful student and a very deserving athlete.”

Olson is the first member of Powell High School’s Class of 2012 to sign a letter of intent this spring.

Colorado Mesa University, known as Mesa State College prior to this year, is located in Grand Junction, Colo. It is an NCAA Division II school that competes in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. The Mavericks were 4-7 this past football season.