Former Grayslake Central standout Alex Cramer ran into an unbeatable opponent in April.
After a solid freshman season at Old Dominion in Norfolk, Virginia, Cramer learned the university was cutting its wrestling program as part of budgets cuts stemming from the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.
Cramer had posted a 19-20 record at 174 pounds for Old Dominion, whose program dated back to 1957-58.
“I was definitely shocked,” Cramer said. “I had made a lot of friends out there, made a lot of connections and relationships with the coaches and people. It was difficult to leave.”
Cramer, like his teammates, was forced to seek a different school to pursue his dreams in collegiate wrestling. The 2019 Grayslake Central graduate entertained a few opportunities before choosing Central Michigan.
“Thankfully, I landed on my feet, found another place to go, and it worked out for me in a better way in a lot of areas,” Cramer said. “It’s nice to be closer to home. I can see my family more.”
But the prospect of wrestling with his brothers in college soon faded away. Adrien Cramer, now a Grayslake Central senior, had committed to Old Dominion but changed course and picked Maryland instead.
The Cramers had envisioned a family environment in Norfolk where one day all three brothers — including Aaron, now a Grayslake Central sophomore — could be part of the Old Dominion program.
The two older brothers each has won a state title. Alex Cramer set the standard by becoming the first Grayslake Central wrestler to win one in 2018, prevailing at 160 pounds in Class 2A. Adrien Cramer won the Class 3A state title at 182 pounds in February.
“It was a once-in-a-lifetime thing,” their father, Jim Cramer, said. “Alex thought he was set for school for years. He nearly won 20 matches wrestling up a weight (at Old Dominion). He was one of their top guys. Then the whole thing went down.
“Both boys had to open up their recruiting at the same time. We were getting calls off the hook. It just turned out that they went to different schools.”
Alex Cramer is excited to reboot his career at Central Michigan. He quickly bonded with his new teammates and is aiming to compete at 165 pounds.
“I feel I’m in an environment where I’m able to excel in and get better,” he said. “I thought it was a team that I could slide in well and be able to perform at a high level for the team.”
Cramer’s success on the mat is well known in Lake County, but he also excels in the classroom. He’s on track to graduate in three years with a degree in biochemistry. He scored a 1,510 on the SAT and a 35 on the ACT. He had a 4.0 GPA at Old Dominion.
More Top Picks Best Weighted Vests For Autism
“We’re always competing as brothers and pushing each other,” he said. “It made us better as young kids.”
Cramer said he wants to go to medical school and become a physician.
“I think it’s a great avenue to help those in need and provide meaningful work,” he said. “I would be bringing a positive impact to a lot of people’s lives.”
Cramer was granted immediate eligibility to wrestle at Central Michigan.
“I want to be a starter and qualify for nationals and give myself a shot to do some big things here,” he said. “I’m going to continue to chase my own individual goals to add to our family’s legacy. It’s been awesome to see my younger brothers achieve their goals.”
Bob Narang is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.