Albion player learns training skills at Ohio State

ALBION, Mich. (AP) — It's only 20 miles as the crow flies from Garrett Kuhlman's hometown of Tecumseh to Michigan Stadium. Kuhlman might have mixed feelings Nov. 21 when archrival Ohio State comes to Ann Arbor for the annual Michigan-Ohio State football confrontation.

Kuhlman spent the summer in Columbus, Ohio, learning strengthening and conditioning training techniques as an intern with the Buckeyes' athletic department.

That work put him in contact with a range of Ohio State varsity athletes and coaches, including some in football.

Kuhlman, a senior at Albion College where he captains the soccer team, said he's grateful for the hands-on work experience at a Division I sports program.

"Kuhlman contacted more than 70 schools about summer internships," student writer Zach Dirlam said in a posting for Albion's Web site. "Eventually, he was offered three positions, and Ohio State was by far the most prominent."

"I knew I did not want another summer of doing a no name job to earn a couple of bucks," Kuhlman said in a statement. "I was going into my senior year and knew I needed to get some real world experience as well as start building up my resume."

Gayle Thompson, a teacher in Albion's athletic training education program, described him as likable, with a strong sense of purpose.

"He's one of those kids you like to see succeed," she said. "He's very grounded."

Kuhlman worked under Ohio State's head strength and conditioning coach Anthony Glass.

The job involved taking athletes through workouts and guiding twice-weekly speed and agility sessions for athletes from many sports.

"By working directly with athletes, I learned a lot of the interpersonal communication skills that are necessary for the job," Kuhlman said.