Kramer finds his niche in soccer

Fall 1993
Originally published by The Daily Collegian (Fresno State)

David Kramer, the wunderkind Bulldog goalie, could have been the quarterback. But football didn’t have it for him.

He could have made a sparkling third baseman, but baseball didn’t hold much passion for him.

He could have been a great point guard, but basketball didn’t have an all-consuming interest.

But Kramer has played goalkeeper for more than 10 years as if he was possessed by the will to win. And now he doesn’t have any qualms about stopping a breakaway threat or a 100 mile-an-hour shot.

"Yeah, I played all that other stuff," said Kramer. "But once I reached high school, it was time to concentrate on soccer."

It’s a good thing for Fresno State that he did.

In 19 games for the 13th-ranked Bulldogs, Kramer had 84 saves while giving up just 22 goals. That was good enough for a paltry 1.03 goals-per-game average for opponents. It was also good enough for the ’Dogs to finish the season 12-4-3.

"In my estimation, he’s one of the top goalkeepers in the area," head coach John Bluem said. "David can keep you in the game with big saves at critical moments. He handles all situations with confidence."

Kramer’s great skill in handling the goalie box was one of many reasons for the Bulldog turnaround this year.

"He throws long on saves, and he has a quick punt," Bluem said. "He can also punt it long distances. That has helped win our counterattacks."

Kramer showed his heady play in Sunday’s tie against San Jose State. He was credited with an assist on a Sterling Wescott goal that proved to be the equalizer in the deadlock.

After the save, Kramer quickly kicked the ball the length of the field taking one bounce. Wescott caught up to it and scored with a header on the hop.

The two had performed virtually the same play in mid-September against University of San Francisco. FSU won the game on it, 5-4. Those are Kramer’s two assists in his Bulldog career. Fittingly, they tied or provided the ’Dogs with the lead.

Said Bluem on those plays: "David likes to look for Wescott with his passes."

"You only get the ball maybe four or five times a game," Kramer said. "Those other 80 minutes, you have to be ready for those one or two times they’re looking to score."

"It’s a tough position. You’re put on the spot. You have to prove you can come through and stop the ball in a pressure situation."

Kramer’s leadership through action has endeared him to the ’Dogs and earned him a co-captain title.

"He’s very quiet, but a good leader," Bluem said. "And he’s an inspirational player."

An experienced three-year FSU letterman, Kramer is especially adept at organizing and directing the ’Dogs defensive schemes.

His 21 career shutouts are the third-best in Bulldog soccer history. One more will put him in second place behind Kirk Shermer on the all-time list.

"He can inspire not with words, but with saves," said Bluem. "When he comes up with a save, it lifts everybody. We know that if someone gets behind our defense, Dave will shut them down."

That’s all well and good, but what happens when the ball gets into the net?

"David is a very good mental and pressure player," Bluem said. "He never lets down with concentration mistakes. He’s experienced, reliable, and a safekeeper. The last two points are the most important."

So how did Fresno State get its hands on such a valuable keeper?

"I played in all sports," said Kramer. "I’ve been playing soccer since I could remember."

An injury as a 12-year-old moved him into the goalie box, where he’s remained ever since.

"I got hurt with a torn hamstring, so I moved to goalie because I couldn’t run. And I just started liking it."