Sports

Tech coach leaves for NFL

Casey Kramer, Tech’s director of athletic performance, traded the phrase “Wings Up” for “Bear Down” as he left Tech to further his career.

“I was hired by the Chicago Bears to be the assistant strength coach on their staff and be a part of the new coaching staff that’s coming in,” Kramer said.  “It’ll be a great career move for me.”

The opportunity marks a new beginning for Kramer’s career.

“It’s my first time working for a professional sports team at any level, I’m kind of nervous, but it’s a wonderful opportunity,” Kramer said.

Tech hired Kramer in 2014, while Kramer was the assistant strength and conditioning coach for the Washington State University football team.  Kramer’s new position at Tech served as a promotion from his then-current job with the Cougars.

Kramer’s experience isn’t just limited to sports, however.

Prior to his stint with Washington State, Kramer served in a civilian role as a tactical strength and conditioning specialist for the U.S. Army Special Forces.

Kramer, a graduate of Northwestern Oklahoma State University in 2005, served as Tech’s director of athletic performance from 2014 to 2018, where he oversaw the training and workout regimen of each Tech athlete in every sport, including midseason and offseason workouts.

Kramer’s other duties included overseeing Tech’s Athletic Performance Center, where weight rooms, sports medicine, and sports nutrition facilities for Tech athletes are housed.

“I appreciate Tennessee Tech, and it’s been great working here, thank you to Mark Wilson, Frank Harrell and Tammie McMillan, the administration here has been awesome,” Kramer said.  “Also thank you to the coaches and my staff who have made my time here awesome, I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Tech’s new director of athletic performance is Matt Hewett, promoted after Kramer’s departure.  Hewett previously served as an assistant under Kramer.