Local athletic trainer Brad Krambeer receives Sports Medicine Award

Brad Krambeer, Athletic Trainer at Veterans Memorial Hospital, accepted an Iowa Sports Medicine Award at last Friday night’s Iowa Boy’s State Basketball Tournament. He and his family, wife Becky and son Konnor, as well as his parents, Kenny and Gloria Krambeer, were present at Vet’s Auditorium in Des Moines while Krambeer received his award during halftime of the boys class 2A championship game.

For nearly 30 years, the Iowa High School Athletic Association Board of Control has been selecting two to four sports medicine professionals from the numerous nominations to win a Sports Medicine Award. These individuals have been nominated by the schools and communities in which they devote endless hours to help safeguard the health and safety of student athletes. According to the Iowa High School Athletic Association, these award winners are the unsung heroes in the community who contribute significantly to their school’s athletic programs.

Krambeer was notified just before Christmas that he would be receiving this award at the State Tournament. Krambeer’s award is even more special, since it makes him the first Athletic Trainer to ever win this honor. Previously, the award winners have been primarily physicians.

“I am not sure who nominated me for this award, but I would like to thank them for this honor,” stated Krambeer. “I truly enjoy my work with the kids at the schools. It’s the best part of my job.”

Krambeer is a 1987 graduate of Waukon High School. He attended Winona State University, where he received his Bachelors of Science degree in Athletic Training. He has been employed as the Athletic Trainer for Veterans Memorial Hospital since 1993 and supervises the Healthy Lifestyles Rehabilitation Center.

“If it wouldn’t have been for the hospital starting this Sports Medicine Program, I would probably be in South Dakota right now, where my other job offer was,” added Krambeer. “We began the hospital’s Sports Medicine Program in 1993, and it has been going strong ever since, which has allowed me to stay in this area for my career.”

Veterans Memorial Hospital’s Sports Medicine Program began with the Allamakee Community School District in 1993 and added MFL/Mar Mac Schools shortly thereafter. Eastern Allamakee Community Schools joined the program about three years ago.

Krambeer visits the schools bi-weekly for any type of sports injuries that may have occurred. He also assists any school personnel who may be able to benefit from the sports medicine services.

Krambeer, with assistance from the Rehabilitation Staff at Veterans Memorial Hospital, attends most all practices and games for these schools.