Gallaudet University Celebrates Athletic Equipment Staff During National Gratitude week
Gallaudet University is recognizing the vital contributions of its athletic equipment staff during National Athletic Equipment Managers appreciation Week, held September 21-27 this year. The university is specifically honoring Kris Gould, Facility adn Equipment coordinator, and Matt Cracraft, facilities and equipment Specialist, along with their student workers.
“We greatly appreciate kris and all he does for Gallaudet athletics behind the scenes to make our teams look good and ready to compete day in, day out,” stated Gallaudet Associate Athletic Director Sam Atkinson. “His commitment to his craft and to Gallaudet University is unmatched. We wouldn’t be the same without kris,and we are thrilled to recognize him and his team this week.” Atkinson also highlighted the positive impact of Cracraft’s recent addition, noting he has effectively addressed a key need within the athletics department.
Gould has been a dedicated member of the Gallaudet University athletics community for over 35 years, joining the department in 1991-92.Throughout his tenure, he has served in a variety of roles, including head coach, assistant coach, athletic trainer, game management, and equipment manager, demonstrating his versatility and commitment. Prior to his current role, Gould was also a triumphant student-athlete at Gallaudet, competing in men’s soccer (1983-85), baseball (1983-85), and men’s basketball (1982-84). He was inducted into the Gallaudet Athletics Hall of Fame in 2014.
Cracraft joined the athletics department as a Facilities and Equipment Specialist before the Fall 2025 semester, following four years working in central receiving for the University. A former Bison football player (2015-17, ’19), Cracraft was a three-time Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC) All-Academic honoree and earned 2019 CoSIDA football Academic All-District First Team honors. He also received significant recognition from the National Football Foundation, being named a 2019 William V. Campbell Trophy semifinalist and a member of the 2020 NFF Hampshire honor Society.
The recognition of Gould and Cracraft coincides with a national effort to highlight the importance of athletic equipment managers. According to Ann Kitt-Carpenetti, Executive Director of the Athletic Equipment Managers Association (AEMA), “Athletic equipment managers are the unsung guardians of sports. Thay make sure every helmet fits, every pad is safe, and every athlete can perform with confidence.”
Launched in 2018, National Athletic Equipment Managers Appreciation Week aims to shine a spotlight on these professionals who are crucial to athlete safety and team success. AEMA, established over 50 years ago, is the leading professional organization for athletic equipment managers, offering education, certification, and networking opportunities to its over 1,600 global members.more facts about AEMA can be found at https://equipmentmanagers.org.
