The 2012 London Olympics are right around the corner.
And, one Siouxland town is gearing up to watch one of their own compete.
Sheldon locals sit and talk about everything from the town's history to the upcoming football season, and almost always, one name usually comes up.
Jim DeJong, former Sheldon Athletic Director said, "Not everyone knows what an Orab is but A.G.always has respect for being an Orab."
That Orab is A.G. Kruger,who will compete in the men's hammer throw at the London Olympics. Something that doesn't surprise those that know him.
Darrell Sneiderman, Kruger's football coach claims, "In middle school you could see it. He started coming on and he just wanted to do things and he did it the right way. If something needed to be done, he would say coach, I'll do it, we'll take care of it."
Now, he's trying to "hammer" down a medal at his third Olympics.
DeJong added, "One thing about A.G. he'll let it leave on the table and whatever happens, happens-I just hope the good happens."
Kruger finished 32nd at the Athens games in 2004, and 27th in Beijing in 2008. But with all of his success, Kruger hasn't forgotten his roots.
Darrell Sneiderman, Kruger's football coach said,"He brings it down to earth. It's nothing like, here I' am A.G. Kruger. It's here I' am A.G. Kruger, here I'am to help."
Matt Meendering, current Sheldon principal/football coach said, "Everytime he gets home he usually stops in on a Friday afternoon or whatever and he'll walk around the building and say hi. And we try and get him to see some kids if we can, and he always has encouraging words for everybody."
Encouraging them to lift, and eat right, building the body the right is something Kruger preaches.
DeJong, "Saying he was going to be Olympic at that time, you didn't know, but you did know he was going to do well."
And, folks in this town of just over 5,000 will watch Kruger compete in London. The small town guy making good on a very large stage.
Tom Thaden knows Kruger and said, "Last time I seen him too, it was just a joy to see him and he seemed like the same A.G. as of when he left."
