Frank Cramer |
Frank Cramer was born on August 12, 1888, in Gardner, Kansas. After attending college he went into the building supply business, a trade he learned from his father, Judson, who was a building contractor. Cramer served as an officer in World War I.
After the war, Cramer moved to Detroit, still working in the building supply business. He also began selling his brother Chuck's liniment to local schools in Detroit and when on the road during sales trips. In 1929, Frank Cramer moved back to Gardner to help his brother in the expanding Cramer Chemical business.
Frank Cramer will travel all over the United States selling Cramer products, putting on athletic training clinics and promoting athletic training. He will also be the editor of the First Aider.
In 1937, Frank Cramer was instrumental in starting a basketball tournament that would lead to the formation of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Frank and Chuck would work the tournament, and many other athletic events, as athletic trainers. Cramer Products is still involved with the tournament and the Frank Cramer Award is presented annually to the person or persons who have given support to the tournament.
Frank Cramer was inducted into the initial class of the NATA Hall of Fame in 1962.
Death: At age 82 on May 12, 1971.
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