OHS senior Cramer a man of many shoes

Posted: Feb. 6, 2013

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Scott Ash

Oconomowoc senior Aaron Cramer (right) takes a shot over junior Canton Larson during practice on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012.

Scott Ash

Oconomowoc senior Aaron Cramer (right) takes a shot over junior Canton Larson during practice on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012.

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You might say Aaron Cramer is an athlete for all seasons at Oconomowoc High School.

In the fall, the 6-foot-2, 205-pound senior can be found on the football field, and that's where he excels. He's played the last three years with the varsity, and this past fall he had his best season ever, named to the Wisconsin Little Ten Conference first team and the All-Region team as a linebacker.

Come winter, Cramer does his work on the basketball court. He's been a two-year starter at forward for the Raccoons and is the captain of the team this season.

In the spring, Cramer has split his time the last three years competing in two different sports. As a freshman, he played golf, and the last two years, he's been a sprinter for OHS. If things go as planned, he figures he'll be back on the golf team for his final high school athletic season.

"We've had some success in all of the sports I've taken part in and that always helps," Cramer said. "It's going to be a little sad to see my high school career come to an end. But I'm looking forward to playing football in college."

Cramer, 18, said he's not decided on a college yet but has visited UW-Oshkosh and also looked into UW-La Crosse and Dubuque College in Iowa.

"There's no question I want to play college football," Cramer said. "I started playing flag football in fourth grade and then played in the Oconomowoc Youth Tackle program from fifth grade through eighth grade. From there, I went right to high school football. I love the sport. I've worked hard to be the best football player I can be. That's why I want to play at the college level."

More than just football

Cramer also loves the hardcourt.

"Aaron is a great kid, and that's why he's our captain this year," said boys basketball coach Kurt Melton. "I have a lot of appreciation for how hard he works. He's just one of those guys you love to have on the team. I know exactly what I'm going to get out of him, both in practice and in games. He's just a solid kid and a very good athlete."

Cramer, who sports a 3.5 grade-point-average, does a lot of the blue-collar work for the Raccoons this year on the basketball court. While several others do a lot of the scoring, it's Cramer that's rebounding, boxing out and playing strong defense.

"Aaron is a tough kid, both on the football field and on the basketball court," Melton said. "He understands his role and makes very few mistakes. A lot of the things he does for us don't show up in the box score. I know what I'm going to get from him every time he goes on the court."

After playing golf as a freshman, he left the sport and took part in track and field, specializing in the 200-meter dash the last two years.

"I had a lot of fun in track," Cramer said. "It's a lot different than football and basketball. There is a lot less pressure. When you're not doing your events, we just hang around and do a lot of laughing and have some fun. I had a good time doing it and got into good shape. I just think I want to try and play golf this spring."