Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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2016 RECRUITING ISSUE he's just a real guy," Kraemer said of Hiestand. "He's been at my house for three different visits for four-plus hours talking about everything, not just football. "He expects the most out of you on the field and lays into it when you make a mistake, but off the field he's really concerned about you as a hu- man and just being a good person. I can't wait to work for him." One item that is unlikely to appear on the résumé of most any other col- lege offensive linemen is his participa- tion on the high school swim team. After playing three years of varsity basketball for Elder, including being in the rotation as a junior, Kraemer opted to concentrate on weight training and swimming in the second semester of his senior year. His main event was the 50-meter freestyle sprint, where his best time was 27.60. "I did pretty well for a 310-pounder," Kraemer said with a chuckle. "Ever since I was 8 years old, I swam for my summer swim club. It's kept me in great shape over the years. "This winter, because I was not play- ing basketball, the swim coach asked me to come out and stay in shape. It's been a great experience. Swimming and weightlifting have helped me out a lot, and I've been very thankful for the opportunity." Chances are Kraemer and Notre Dame will likewise get along swim- mingly. ✦ Kraemer joined the Elder swim team as a senior. Can you figure out which one he is? PHOTO COURTESY TOMMY KRAEMER