April 20, 2006

Central Michigan University track and field athlete John Pilling and volleyball player Mary Ochmanek were named 2006 National Strength and Conditioning Association All-American Strength and Conditioning Athletes of the Year.

"Both of these athletes are very hard working and self-motivated," Greg Halberg, assistant director of strength and conditioning at CMU, said. "They have improved tremendously over their careers in all areas. I am very proud of them and their accomplishments."

Pilling is a 6-3 thrower for CMU. Some of the senior's top marks include a squat of 590 pounds, a power clean of 325 pounds and a 40-yard dash of 4.79 seconds.

Ochmanek is a 5-9 outside hitter for CMU. Some of the junior's personal bests include a vertical jump of 25 inches, a squat of 255 pounds and a power clean of 145 pounds.

"The top male and female athlete at each university is named All-American," Halberg said. "We determine the top athletes by normalizing each athlete's test results over the course of the year. Then, we rank all the athletes, and the top male and top female are honored."

Athletes are tested in weightlifting, speed and jumping ability. Weightlifting includes the bench press, squat and power clean. Speed drills include the 40-yard dash and the 5-10-5 agility test. Vertical jump also is tested.

Power Systems, Inc. officially sponsors the NSCA All-American Strength and Conditioning Athletes of the Year. Power Systems is owned by Bruno Pauletto, a former CMU track and field athlete. Pauletto was a national champion and CMU record-holder in the shot put.

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