Southeastern Oklahoma State University Athletics

Baseball (1975-78)

All-American pitcher Bob Olufs rewrote the Savage record book during a sparkling four year career at Southeastern. He was a 6’3’’, 215 pound right-handed pitcher. A super athlete, he was a power pitcher with excellent control and an outstanding fielder from the mound.

Born July 21, 1952 at Benton Harbor, Michigan, Olufs attended high school at Lake Forrest, Illinois where he played basketball and baseball. After serving two years in the Army, he came to the basketball team and earned his letter. A foot injury later ended his basketball career.

Oluf’s honors were many. He was selected to the All-Conference team three times and was the conference most valuable in 1977. He was NAIA All-District three times, NAIA All-Area twice, and was named to the NAIA All-American team in 1977 and again in 1978.

When Olufs graduated in 1978, he held Savage career pitching records for games completed (26), innings pitched (274.3), shutouts (10), and career winning percentage (35-4 for .900). He also held single season records for games completed (12), innings pitched (108), and most wins (14). His statistics would have been even more impressive had he not served as the Savages relief ace his first two years.

He was an important part of the great 1977 team that reached the finals of the NAIA national tournament. He capped a perfect 14-0 season by pitching two complete games in the national tournament and by being named to the All-National Tournament Team. He later played on the U.S. Baseball Federation All-Star Team in the Intercontinental Cup Games in Nicaragua.

Bob Olufs was a great college pitcher. His contribution to Southeastern’s baseball greatness was immense. Southeastern honored Bob Olufs by inducting him into the Athletic Hall of Fame on February 11, 1984.