All-American Monday - Pat Cramer

Patrick “Pat”Cramer (1968-70)

Coral Gables, Fla. – Pietermaritzburg, South Africanative Patrick “Pat” Cramer was described as possessing a backhand and forehandstroke that can only be termed classical. Cramer joined the Hurricanes asa former South African Junior Champion and Davis Cup performer. He representedSouth Africa in the 1964 and 1965 Orange Bowl tournament. In 1965, two yearsbefore stepping foot on the Coral Gables campus, Cramer defeated Germany’s No.1 ranked start and Davis Cup player Wilhelm Bungert.

Cramerbegan his Cane career with a bang in both singles and doubles competition.After posting a singles season record of 17-1, his only loss coming in the lastmatch of the season, Cramer advanced to the semifinals of the NCAA improvinghis overall season record to 21-2. In doubles play, Cramer posted a perfect15-0 mark. For his success on the court, Cramer was selected to the 1968All-American team.

Despitethe almost perfect single season record, Cramer outdid himself during hisjunior campaign and as captain of the 1968-69 Hurricane squad. Posting aperfect 17-0 regular season singles mark and 23-1 overall, Cramer, for thesecond consecutive year advanced to the semifinals of the NCAA tournament wherehe lost to eventual champion Joaquin Loyo-Mayo of USC. In doubles competition,Cramer’s competiveness and success did not drop off either. After posting anear perfect mark, 13-1, in doubles regular season competition, Cramer, whilepartnering with All-American teammate Luis Garcia, advanced to thequarterfinals of the NCAA tournament. His quarterfinals appearance brought hisseason record to 17-2.

ATP: Pat Cramer

Asthe captain of the team for the second straight year, Cramer’s successcontinued. Opening the season with a 7 match singles win streak and closing itwith a 10 match win streak, Cramer finished the regular season with a 17-1 markand a 21-1 overall mark. For the third consecutive year, Cramer advanced to atleast the quarterfinals of the NCAA tournament. His success in doublescompetition was no different. After posting a 12-1 regular season mark, Cramerteamed with Garcia to win the 1970 NCAA doubles title. For the thirdconsecutive year, Cramer was selected to the All-American team.

Afterhis career as a Cane ended, Cramer turned pro and won three doubles titles(1973, 1974, and 1976) and was a finalist for a fourth (1974). Cramer wasinducted in the University of Miami’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1981.

UM Hall of Fame: Pat Cramer