10 U-M Student-Athletes Earn NSCA All-American Honors

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Press release

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. – Eight University of Michigan football players from the 2009-10 season, one baseball player and one men’s track and field athlete were named All-American Strength and Conditioning Athlete of the Year Award recipients from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) on March 31.

Former football players Stevie Brown (Columbus, Ind./Columbus East) and Brandon Graham (Detroit, Mich./Crockett Technical) were joined on the list by senior Steve Schilling (Bellevue, Wash./Bellevue), juniors David Molk (Lemont, Ill./Lemont Township), Brandon Herron (Stafford, Texas/Dulles), Mike Martin (Redford, Mich./Catholic Central), Junior Hemingway (Conway, S.C./Conway), sophomore Mike Cox (Dorchester, Mass./Avon Old Farms),  fifth-year senior Nick Urban (Whitehall, Mich./Whitehall) from baseball and junior Frank Shotwell (Medina, Ohio/Medina) from men’s track and field.

“The advantages of strength training and conditioning cannot be denied in collegiate athletics,” said Robert Jursnick, executive director of the NSCA. “These student-athletes attest to this understanding, and are to be applauded for their hard work and dedication.”

The honor recognizes the student-athletes’ dedication to strength training and conditioning. This year, the NSCA awarded 232 collegiate athletes from 106 schools with the honor. The NSCA All-American Athlete of the Year Award program is in its 32nd year.

The NSCA All-American Strength and Conditioning Athletes of the Year program recognizes collegiate athletes whose athletic accomplishments, in the opinion of the strength coach, reflect their dedication to strength training and conditioning. These athletes are also recognized for their academic and personal accomplishments as well as their integrity as student athletes.

This is the first year in which athletes from Michigan have received the award.

Quotes from U-M Strength Coaches on the Student-Athletes

Strength Coach Cassandra Baier on Stevie Brown… “Stevie possesses great physical ability and a very competitive nature, both of which make him a winner and a physical specimen. With this combination, Stevie is due for success.”

Strength Coach Parker Whiteman on Mike Cox… “Mike is an animal in the weight room. He always wants to do more and is consistently looking for ways to make himself better. He enjoys what he does day in and day out.”

Strength Coach Mike Barwis on Brandon Graham… “Brandon is a born competitor. He comes into the weight room every day with a great attitude and work ethic. This makes him one of the top defensive ends in the country.”

Strength Coach Chris Allen on Junior Hemingway… “Junior is a great kid that works consistently hard and is very disciplined. Every day his attitude is to be better than the day before.”

Strength Coach Jim Plocki on Brandon Herron… “Brandon’s work ethic and determination is hard to match. His speed and strength have not only made him a physical specimen in the weight room, but a force at defensive end.”

Strength Coach Jesse Miller on Mike Martin… “Mike, a freshman All-American, has an incredible work ethic. He sees every day as an opportunity to get better. The way he works influences others around him to reach new heights and set higher goals.”

Strength Coach Kentaro Tamura on David Molk… “David is an extremely hard worker. He sets out everyday to be the best he can be. I am confident that his achievements will continue to grow throughout his career. He was named to the Rimington Award Watch List, which is awarded yearly to the best center in the nation.”

Strength Coach Dennis Murray on Steve Schilling… “Steve Schilling is a tempo-setter. He comes in every day with the mentality to get better. He is the first one in the weight room and the last one to leave. This is why he is such a great leader, not only on the field but in the weight room as well.”

Strength Coach Mike Favre on Frank Shotwell… “Frank’s dedication, consistency and effort have not only raised the level of his own performance, but that of his teammates as well. His leadership has been, and continues to be, an asset to the success of the University of Michigan men’s track and field program.”

Strength Coach Jason Cole on Nick Urban… “Nick is a very diligent worker. He raises the intensity to the benefit of those around him. Nick is a consummate team player.”

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