“U.S.A., U.S.A., U.S.A!” Patriotic chants fill the stadium for the Opening Ceremonies and that is when it sets in,

“It’s absolutely amazing and it was one of the best experiences in my life,” A.G. Kruger said.

Kruger is Ashland University’s Strength and Conditioning Coach, but his status is so much more than “coach.” Kruger is an Olympic athlete who just competed in not his first, not his second but his third Olympic Games in the hammer throw.

Born and raised as a small town farm boy in Iowa, Kruger attended Morningside College, where he was a walk-on athlete for track and football. It was always a dream of Kruger’s to become an Olympian and that dream turned into a reality.

Fellow Olympian and AU track and field coach Jud Logan took notice of Kruger’s athletic ability and talent and offered him an incredible opportunity. Logan asked Kruger to move out to Ashland in order to train for the 2004 Olympics.

“It was my job to make sure all developing, potential world class collegiate athletes had a place to train after graduating,” said Logan.

Kruger was ecstatic about this opportunity.

“When you get into the throws, people know who Jud Logan is and what he stands for, and it was just absolutely amazing,” he said.

A small town boy with an Olympic-sized dream moved fourteen hours to train for the Olympics. The move was a huge risk in itself because there was nothing in Ashland for Kruger. No job, no living space, no food. Only training equipment and an excellent support team was in rural Ohio.

“I had to make a commitment and it was just something that I needed to do,” he said.

No time was wasted as Kruger and Logan started to train for the Olympics, and training quickly became a fulltime job: three hours of throwing in the morning, two hours of lifting in the afternoon and extra hours of doing plyometrics, watching videos, completing drills and working on technique.

Despite the grueling schedule, Kruger kept his eye on his goal.

“A.G. has an unchallenged work ethic to go along with God-given talent,” said Logan. “He is very coachable and he brings a fresh energy and willingness to learn in every session.”

Kruger’s Olympic dreams came true when he qualified for the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. “It hit me finally when I’m going in the Opening Ceremonies and I’m walking out with the team. I couldn’t believe I was representing my country and doing something I love,” he said.

While Kruger didn’t qualify for the finals in Athens, that didn’t stop him from pursuing another Olympic bid. Kruger went back to work through his training and practices, but he also focused on his strengths and weaknesses.

“The biggest thing I like to say is as an elite athlete, you have to work on the things you don’t like to work on, and that’s what gets you over that edge,” he said.

After another four years of training, practice, triumphs and setbacks, Kruger qualified for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. While the same patriotic emotions ran through Kruger’s veins, he said he couldn’t wait to experience the atmosphere with his fellow competitors.

“A lot of times I just sit out there on the training field and watch what other countries are doing,” said Kruger.

Despite being each other’s competition, coaches from other countries are willing to answer questions and that was a great way for Kruger to acquire a perspective of how others train and practice.

Throughout his Olympic journey, it is not surprising that Kruger has learned a thing or two along the way. Kruger said he doesn’t want to change the system; he just keeps doing what makes him successful during his competitions.

“You know, the one statement by a lot of coaches is paralysis by analysis,” he said. “You can easily overanalyze something and actually hurt yourself instead of just relaxing and saying, ‘I’ve done the work, so let it happen.’”

During his practices, training and competition, Kruger said he just goes back to what is effective and tries not to worry too much.

“You’ve done the work to get there, so just let it happen, and that’s the fun time. Competing is the fun time.”

Kruger’s athletes at Ashland agree that competing is the fun part and they are impressed by Kruger’s dedication and commitment. Freshman thrower Zachery Ball was introduced to the hammer throw by Kruger.

“A.G. is going to go over to you and give you advice,” he said. “He is constantly looking for the best in not only himself, but also in everyone else. He will push you to perform to the best that you can, even when you don’t want to hear it.”

Laura Kruger, Kruger’s wife, is also very proud of how he stays grounded throughout his achievements.

“Despite all of his success, he remains the most humble man and he is really a country, family man,” she said. “He’s a Christian husband and father, and if you met him on the street, you would never know that he has done so well athletically.”

Kruger came into 2012 motivated to achieve his ultimate goal: bring home an Olympic medal.

That journey began June 21, when he competed at the U.S.A. Track and Field Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore. for a spot on the team.

His first throw was his best of the day and went 73.93 meters, good enough to qualify for a trip to London.

Joining Kruger on the team was Kibwe Johnson, a graduate of AU who threw 74.97 m. at trials.

Though neither was able to bring home a medal, they made the AU community and their country proud.