Four Eagles Named Strength and Conditioning All-Americans

In 2009, 207 collegiate athletes from 116 schools were awarded with this revered honor. Brian Wilkerson was selected by strength coach Skyler Pyles who stated, “Brian is the type of athlete you have to kick out of the weight room.  He is one of the most dedicated, hardworking individuals to step foot in Iron Works.  During an optional lift week Brian came in five days while working off a three day program.  Coming out of a competitive freshman season Brian decided to have off-season Tommy John surgery. Two days after Brian’s surgery, however, he walked into the weight room asking if he could get a quick lift in.  It is very rare to an athlete with the type of work ethic that he possesses. One of Brian’s greatest accomplishments is not only that he works so hard on and off the field, but also that be balances all of his school work and training with being a full-time father and husband.”

Andy Moye was selected by Coach Thomas Melton, Jr. who stated, “Andy has made incredible gains over the past two years, and has become a leader in the weight room.  Andy had Tommy John surgery during his freshman year and used that year to improve himself physically.  Over the past two years he has gained over twenty pounds without gaining body fat, increased his bench press by 70 pounds, squat by 115 pounds, and hang clean 75 pounds.  Although he is only sophomore on the field, he has become a leader because of his work ethic.  Andy is committed to improving himself physically for his personal goals and the goals of the team.”

Also awarded was senior guard Ashley Melson. Melson was nominated by strength coach Skyler Pyles who said, “Ashley defines what it means to be dedicated. She is always striving to better herself as an athlete for her team.  Every summer Ashley stays at school to continue her training.  She always participates in the summer Speed School program that is available to all athletes. Besides being nominated for Strength Training-All American, Ashley has won several weight room awards.  She was basketball’s Most Dedicated athlete, which is a weight room specific award voted on by Ashley’s teammates.  She was also the first female winner of the Iron Eagle Challenge.  The Iron Eagle Challenge is a two-day competition open to all GSU athletes across all sports programs.  The challenge tests different aspects of strength, speed, agility, and mental toughness. Every time Ashley steps foot in the weight room she brings a smile and a contagious attitude. She has been, and will be, one of the most respected female athletes at Georgia Southern University.”

The fourth student athlete from Georgia Southern that was awarded by the NSCA was senior guard Ashley Riven, also a member of GSU’s women’s basketball team.  She was selected by Coach Thomas Melton, Jr. who stated, “Ashley is a quiet but steady leader on the team. She works extremely hard in the weight room and her strength numbers indicate that, but it is her work ethic that really stands out. Ashley’s commitment has benefited herself as an athlete, and the team with her performance on the court. She always does what is asked and has never complained, and has been a tremendous help to me with her leadership in the weight room.  Ashley’s ability to lead by example is contagious.  Her work ethic has been recognized by her teammates, by being nominated the teams Dedication Award winner in 2007.”

Georgia Southern Athletics is very proud to have four students chosen for this award.  This award program is in its 30^th year. The NSCA All-American Athlete of the Year award is sponsored by a grant from Power Systems, Inc. Power Systems is a fitness product leader based in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Category: Women's Basketball

Published on Friday, 15 May 2009 09:01