Six Miamians Honored as NSCA All-Americans
7/1/2008 12:00:00 AM | General
July 1, 2008
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) announced that six Miami University student-athletes have been honored with its annual All-American Strength and Conditioning Athlete of the Year award. Ryan Jones (ice hockey), Joe Coniglio (football), Tim Pollitz (basketball), Jacqueline Lovato (synchronized skating), Halle Popson (softball), and Jeanna Staun (volleyball) were among a select group of 239 collegiate athletes nationwide to be honored by the NSCA.
The award recognizes student-athletes that are dedicated to strength training and conditioning, and below are the bios of the six Miami athletes (three men and three women) honored by the NSCA.
Ryan Jones
Bio: 2008 Hobey Baker Finalist ... captained the RedHawks to a school-record 33 victories during the 2007-08 campaign ... finished the 2007-08 season with 31 goals, giving him 90 for his career and placing him second on the school's all-time scoring list ... finished his collegiate career with 21 game-winning goals, tying him with two other players for the second-most game-winners in Division I history ... 2008 ACHA West All-American ... signed with the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League after completing his Miami career.
What They're Saying About Ryan: "Ryan is a true leader who has never missed a game in his Miami career. Through his hard work in the weight room, he became a force on the ice and amassed 100+ points in his career. His leadership and work ethic have contributed to Miami's ongoing success and back-to-back seasons with NCAA Tournament victories." - Matt Cady, Miami Strength and Conditioning Coach
Joe Coniglio
Bio: Selected as third-team All-MAC performer in 2007 ... voted Miami's Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2007 ... as a junior, topped RedHawk defenders with 6.5 QB sacks and was third with 10.5 tackles for loss ... also had 40 tackles, four QB hurries and broke up two passes ... had a single-game best five stops at Minnesota ... matched personal best with two QB sacks in RedHawks' win vs. Buffalo ... is a three-time letterwinner.
What They're Saying About Joe: "Joe has worked hard his entire career and developed into a physical specimen through his offseason training. As a defensive end in 2007, he had 40 total tackles and earned third-team all-MAC on defense. His combination of speed and strength has allowed him to carry a majority of the tackling load throughout his career." - James Carsey, Miami Strength and Conditioning Coach
Tim Pollitz
Bio: In 2008, named team MVP for second straight year ... during 2007-08 season, amassed a team-best 510 total points and led the team in assists (101) ... became just the eighth player in program history to participate in postseason play all four years ... ranked among the 2008 MAC statistical leaders this year in scoring, rebounding, field goal percentage, assists, steals, assist/turnover ratio, offensive rebounds and defensive rebounds ... finished his career ranked second in career field goal percentage (.563), ninth in career scoring (1,411), fourth in career field goals (613) and ninth in career minutes played (3,353).
What They're Saying About Tim: "Tim has used his insurmountable work ethic and passion for the game to drive his weight room training. With his training, he has elevated his game to become a two-time all-MAC selection and MAC Tournament MVP in 2007. Tim consistently puts in extra hours, both on the basketball court and in the weight room, allowing him to leave his mark on Miami history." - Ryan Faehnle, Miami Strength and Conditioning Coach
Jacqueline Lovato
Bio: Test levels are Gold Moves in the Field, Gold Dance and Novice Freestyle ... performed in her third season with the Miami senior team ... helped the RedHawks earn the national championship in 2006, the silver medal at the 2007 National Championships, and their first World medal (silver) at the 2007 World Championships in London, Ontario ... helped Miami finished second at the 2008 National Championships and ninth at the World Championships.
What They're Saying About Jacqueline: "Jacqueline has truly embraced the weight room and has realized what it can do for her skating. Through her persistence and hard work, she helped Miami claim the silver medal at the 2007 ISU World Championships, which is the highest ever finish for a United State team." - Matt Cady, Miami Strength and Conditioning Coach
Halle Popson
Bio: 2008 All-MAC and Academic All-MAC selection ... finished her career as the MU career-record holder in at-bats (683), runs (137), hits (239) and walks (171) ... in 2008, set Miami's single-season record and led the MAC in runs scored with 45 ... as a senior, was awarded the President's Distinguished Service Award, Miami University Senior Service Leadership Award and Miami University Women's Leadership Award ... was nominated for the NCAA Woman of the Year award and USA Today Scholar Athlete of the Year award.
What They're Saying About Halle: "Halle's hard work and dedication to weight training has allowed her to compile an impressive career resume as a Miami softball player. In 2007, she garnered All-MAC First Team honors, reset Miami's single-season records in hits (79), and compiled a .387 batting average. Halle is a driven leader whose efforts in the weight room and on the field are contagious." - James Carsey, Miami Strength and Conditioning Coach
Jeanna Staun
Bio: Helped Miami win the 2007 MAC Tournament Championship and earn a bid to the NCAA Tournament ... was named to the MAC All Tournament team ... as an outside hitter, helped Miami defeat nationally-ranked Ohio twice in 2007, including in the MAC Championship game ... Miami's two wins over Ohio marked the first wins in program history over a nationally-ranked opponent ... four-year letterwinner ... topped 1,000 kills in her career.
What They're Saying About Jenna: "Jeanna has always been an incredibly hard worker in the weight room and it paid off for her when she earned a spot on the MAC All-Tournament team on her way to winning the MAC Championship in her senior year. She is a high-flyer with a fast arm swing that enabled her to pass the 1,000-kill mark in her career." - Ryan Faehnle, Miami Strength and Conditioning Coach
Players Mentioned
