March 24, 2006

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Memphis senior thrower J.D. Erickson was recently honored by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) with the organization's annual All-American Strength and Conditioning Athlete of the Year award, which recognizes student athletes' dedication to strength and conditioning.

Erickson, who in his second and final season at the U of M, recently won his second-consecutive Conference USA indoor shot put title, also finishing runner-up in the weight throw for the second straight year.

"J.D. is one of the most explosive power athletes I have ever witnessed," said Coach Kevin Robinson. He has the unique ability to combine pure power with fluid athletic technical movements. He dominated the Conference USA Indoor Championships in the shot put and had a strong second-place showing in the weight throw."

In addition, Erickson has already qualified for NCAA Mideast Regionals in the hammer, shot put and discus through just one meet of the outdoor season.

"J.D.'s results are a testament to his work ethic both in the weight room and in the circle," said Robinson. ". He is intrinsically motivated to be the best athlete he can become, and he is very deserving of this award."

The NSCA All-American Athlete of the Year award program is in its 27th year and is made possible by a grant from fitness product company Power Systems, Inc. This year, the NSCA awarded 242 athletes from 160 schools with the esteemed award.

For a complete list of All-American Strength and Conditioning Athletes, contact the NSCA at 800-815-6826 or nsca@nsca-lift.org.