[1][2] Strader Jr. is the son of an army general who moved frequently during his early years, ultimately landing in Junction City, Kansas, where he attended high school.
During that time, he helped the team compile a record of 27–16–1 and win the Lone Star Conference title and the NAIA Division I National Championship in 1973.
After stints as the Director of Athletic Development and Dean of Students, he came back to the football field as the head coach at Abilene Christian in 1993.
After coaching, Strader moved into the classroom at Abilene Christian.where he taught undergraduate courses in the College of Bible, Missions and Ministry, which included Message of the Old Testament and Christianity in Culture.
Strader now serves as a mentor and consultant to "A House on Beekman” ministry in Bronx, New York and as a pastor at Christ Community Church in Arlington, Texas.