Sport Management, Athletic Training Success Stories
Jason Cramer
Sports Management Graduate student Jason Cramer is currently conducting a Marketing internship with the Super Bowl XL Champion Pittsburgh Steelers. Being a Brownsville, PA native, Cramer is very familiar with the franchise and described the experience as a “dream come true.” Cramer was one of two students chosen for the position from more than 150 applicants.
Cramer has had the opportunity to become very involved in Steelers events. The April 29th Steelers’ Fan Blitz was his first hands on event. He escorted players from autograph booths to a designated VIP area and handled any personal needs the players had. Cramer also managed the lines making sure they stayed under control and everyone got an autograph. At this event, Jason met Jerame Tuman, Steelers’ tight end, and former Steeler Mike Wagner
Cramer was also involved with the 4th annual Men’s Fantasy Camp, which was held June 2-4 at Saint Vincent College. This three-day event sponsored by Rolling Rock is designed to give Steelers fans the training camp experience and approximately 225 men from 31 states participated. At this event, Cramer got to work directly with Steelers, past and present, by taking care of their on-field needs. He set up stations and assisted with registration. Jason has the pleasure of meeting current Steeler Jeff Reed, kicker and former Steelers Louis Lipps, Tunch Ilken, and Craig Wolfley. He also helped participants by reinforcing the demonstrated techniques.
The event included some personal highlights for Cramer. He was in the company of legendary Steeler Jerome Bettis, who was the keynote speaker at a banquet held to honor the camp participants. Also at this event, he was able to pose with the Vince Lombardi trophy. Jason will be traveling to Saint Vincent College again in August for the Steelers’ Training Camp. He will be working in the Traveling Coca-Cola Great hall.
Cramer was very excited to learn that he would be working the two home pre-season games. He will be assisting team sponsors by helping them with registration and any other needs that may arise.
The partnership between the Steelers organization and Gatorade gave Cramer the opportunity to get involved with the MLB All-Star weekend. He worked five days in the David L. Lawrence Convention Center at the All-Star Fan Fest.
Cramer has had a previous sports related internship. In Spring of 2005, he interned with the Charlotte Bobcats. However, he credits this internship with “strengthening his desire to work in professional sports.”
Cramer spoke on how involved the Rooney family is with the organization. According to Jason, at least once a week either Dan or Art Rooney, II would stop into the office for meetings or just to see how the employees are. “They are truly first class owners.” Cramer was pleased with the treatment he received from the organization. “Everybody is treated with respect and dignity no matter what their rank or status.”
Cramer cited the ownership and employee character as major reasons he would like to pursue a career within the Steelers organization. “It really would be a dream come true to work for the Steelers.”
The August 31st exhibition game against the Carolina Panthers will mark the completion of Cramer’s internship and the requirements for his master’s degree. Cramer will graduate from the program with a 4.0 overall GPA.
