Judge Memorial golfer receives second Inspirational Award

SALT LAKE CITY — Paul Oliver, a junior at Judge Memorial Catholic High School, received the Inspirational Award in Sports for the second time from the Judge Memorial golf team at its banquet Oct. 27. Oliver also received the award as a freshman.

"Paul was on the varsity team and a tremendous worker," said Nate Olson, Judge Memorial head golf coach. "He attended every practice, is lettering in golf and he was a contributing factor to the team."

The Inspirational Award is "rarely given to a freshman," said Mike Brimley, former Judge Memorial golf co-coach with his wife, Patty Brimley. "Paul was an inspiration to the whole team and he still is. He has an amazing personality and he is very dedicated."

As a freshman, Oliver experienced headaches, nausea, blurred vision, numbness in his fingers, his balance was unstable and his energy was low, but "Paul never complained; he taught the whole team perseverance," said Mike Brimley. "He is a remarkable kid; he didn’t want any sympathy and that is why he is inspiring."

Oliver was diagnosed with a malformation of the brain and a secondary spinal cord issue when he was in the third grade.

"He was asymptomatic and we would discover things along the way as he grew older, so he didn’t have surgery until he was 15," said his father, John Oliver.

After the surgery, Oliver contracted meningitis and was back in the hospital for a few days; his finals were three weeks later, said his mother, Charlotte Oliver.

"Paul studied hard and his teachers and a friend worked with him; he made up everything that was required of him and he was able to get straight As in all of his classes," Charlotte Oliver said.

Paul loves sports, but his condition prevents him from playing contact sports because he could become paralyzed, said his father.

"He discovered golf and he loved the game and its challenges," said John Oliver. "He tried out for the team as a freshman and really bonded with Mike and Patty Brimley and all the boys on the team, and was really excited about golf."

When Oliver had surgery in 2011, Mike Brimley used his contacts to get some golfers on the professional golf tour to send items to Oliver. Mark O’Meara sent an autographed pin flag from his 1998 Master’s victory and Mike Weir sent a 2009 President’s Cup pin flag signed by the entire European team.

Oliver also received autographed hats.

"We showed him these items as he was waking up from surgery and he was so excited," said John Oliver.

"They really helped in his recovery," added his mother.

Oliver said he is happy with his health at this point.

"Golf really helped in my recovery and is a great sport. I had played baseball and I wasn’t able to continue because of health concerns, and golf filled that spot for me. I really appreciate the support I received from the Brimleys, the golf team, my friends and teachers who contributed to my recovery."