[1] Strimel graduated from Cecil High School where he played soccer, basketball and baseball.
In 1935, Strimel and his team mates won the Pennsylvania Class B High School Basketball championship.
He then went to work in the coal mines before being drafted into the Army during World War II.
He also played for Pittsburgh Beadling In 1948, Strimel was selected for the U.S. soccer team at the Summer Olympics.
He played in the 9–0 loss to Italy in the first round of the Olympics, which eliminated the U.S. from the tournament.