Kramer calling it quits following season

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The memories were running through Joe Kramer’s mind in what looked to be his final game coaching at Joe Quintal Field in Mitchell.

The Pierre head coach and former Dakota Wesleyan University head coach of 15 years said he plans on retiring at the conclusion of this season after a coaching career that began in 1973.

He holds the most wins in DWU football history with 70. The next highest mark is held by Bud Dougherty who led DWU to 38 wins from 1919 to 1926. Kramer also led the Tigers to five conference championships while at the helm.

Kramer, who still lives in Mitchell, led the Governors to a 34-6 victory over the Kernels Friday night at Joe Quintal Field.

“I’ve got a lot of memories on this football field,” Kramer said after the game. “It was nice to get a win on this field one last time.”

Kramer is in his fourth season with Pierre and said he’s ready to walk away from the sport.

“I want to come home,” he said. “I’ve been living on the road for a long time and I’ve been coaching for a long time, and I figure it’s enough.”

Kramer, a Mitchell resident since 1984, continued to look onto the field he called home for so many years after the game. He even pointed to the east end zone and talked about a two-point conversion that led to a homecoming win for Wesleyan years ago.

“When I look at different places, I remember plays,” he said.

Kramer said it’s been strange coming to Joe Quintal Field and being the away team’s coach.

“This is a big game for me, I live here and play golf here and I want to have bragging rights,” he said.

Kramer doesn’t have plans for after retiring from coaching.

“As far as what I’m going to do, we’ll see what comes up,” he said. “Whether I’m done working or not, I don’t know, but I’m coming home and I’m done coaching.”

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