National Football Foundation

Quarterbacks should be wary when throwing in the direction of Mark Kasmer. The anchor of Dayton's defensive unit for the past three seasons, he has remained a model of consistency on the field, in the classroom and in the community.

A Computer Engineering major, Kasmer was named to the Verizon Academic All-America and All-Conference First Teams in 2001. Scheduled to graduate with honors in only three and a half years, he continues to accrue numerous prestigious academic honors and recognitions including the John L. MacBeth Scholar-Athlete Award and the Charles R. Kendall Memorial Award of Excellence for achievement in academic and athletic efforts. 

The team leader in tackles each of the last two seasons, Kasmer's main influence has come as an interception threat. The 2001 Pioneer Football League Co-Defensive Player of the Year and First Team selection notched nine interceptions in 2001 returning three for touchdowns - one being an NCAA record 100-yard return. Through seven games in 2002, Kasmer has recorded a conference-best seven interceptions (third in nation) to tie him for second all-time on the Dayton career list. 

A member of the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honors Fraternity, Kasmer is extremely active in his community and on campus. An activities Co-Chairman at church, he also volunteers time as a tutor at local elementary schools. He earned his M.D. at the University of Illinois and completed his internship and residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin. After completing a sports medicine fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic, Kasmer joined the Carilion Clinic in Salem, Va.