Karl Kremser

Kremser was born in Salzwedel in the Soviet occupation zone of Germany shortly after the end of World War II to Reichsdeutsche parents born in Latvia. His father was drafted into the German Army and fought on the Russian front. While his father was in the army, Kremser's family fled to Germany, to avoid the incoming Red Army. Until his family emigrated to Seabrook Farms, New Jersey in 1952, Kremser lived in Germany as a war refugee. Seabrook Farms was a truck farming area and pioneer of the frozen vegetable industry, which gave factory jobs and immigration support in exchange for one year of work. After Kremser's father finished his contract at Seabrook Farms, he found a new job and relocated the family to Levittown, Pennsylvania. Kremser attended the local Woodrow Wilson High School, where he excelled in track and soccer, graduating in 1964.[1]

Kremser was recruited by West Point for track, but also played soccer where he led the Black Knights to the final four of the 1965 NCAA Tournament. Unable to adjust to the cadet lifestyle, Kremser left after two years, in search of another school. After reading a Spring 1966 Sports Illustrated article about Richmond Flowers, Kremser wrote to University of Tennessee track and field coach Chuck Rohe. Coach Rohe wrote back and the two arranged to meet during an AAU event. Unable to offer Kremser a scholarship, Coach Rohe instead arranged a work-study place, and Kremser transferred in 1966.[1]

Since Tennessee did not have a soccer team, and inspired by Charlie and Pete Gogolak's innovative soccer-style placekicking, Kremser began practicing. Word spread about his talent, and he was encouraged to try out for spring football. Kremser was soon offered a full football scholarship, and may have been the first non-recruited dual sports athlete at Tennessee.[1] The highlight of his collegiate football career came with a 54-yard field goal that helped the Volunteers defeat Alabama, 10–9, in 1968. The kick set a Southeastern Conference record for distance, and still ranks among the longest field goals in Tennessee history.[2]

After graduation, Kremser was drafted by the Miami Dolphins, in the 5th round of the 1969 NFL Draft, and became the team's leading scorer in his rookie season. The following year, George Wilson was replaced by Don Shula, who brought in Garo Yepremian. Shula initially kept both kickers, with Yepremian on the taxi squad, but after one game, Yepremian was promoted to the active roster and Kremser was released. Upon being released, Kremser started teaching physical education at Palm Springs Junior High, while looking for a new team. He signed with Green Bay for pre-season, but the day before leaving for camp, he injured his quad during practice. It was then that Kremser decided to end his football career.[1]

In retirement, Kremser returned to Palm Springs Junior High. The school system had a soccer competition for junior high schools, and thereafter Kremser organized teams for tournaments. Kremser moved on to Miami Killian High School in 1975, where he taught German and coached soccer. He led the team to a state championship in 1977.[1]

In 1977, Kremser joined the Davidson College Wildcats, and built their soccer program while also coaching track. By his third season, the Wildcats had five players named All-Southern Conference, with Kremser named Coach of the Year.[2]