Having played football for four years at Augustana College, earning a Masters in Kinesiology from Eastern Illinois University and a Masters in Physical Therapy with highest honors from Emory University, Craig was uniquely qualified as Strength and Conditioning Coach at Hinsdale Central High School. He was a beloved member of the Falcon and Red Devil community. Craig was exactly the sort of person who we all move to the area hoping to get to know -- smart, dedicated, and always interesting.
At age 49 Craig was diagnosed with Grade IV Glioblastoma in July 2021, and passed into eternal life on September 9, 2022. Commenting on his diagnosis, Craig said, "It makes you want to be a better coach, be a better father, be a better physical therapist, be a better husband." "I want to keep doing what I'm doing because I don't want to 'die' before I die." He coined the phrase "Boots On" reminding himself and others that he did not want to die before he died, but rather to live every day to the fullest and die with his boots on.
Craig selflessly devoted his time in assisting the athletes in our community as a multi-sport coach, strength coach, and physical therapist. While he did not ask for anything in return for those extraordinary efforts, if Craig assisted you, one of your children, or somebody that you know, please consider supporting the fundraiser established to honor Craig's legacy, The Craig Kruse Scholarship.
Let us hope that we can live up to the example that Craig set in his life as a husband, father and volunteer.
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