Walton Named NSCA All-American Athlete

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) recently awarded Joel Walton with its annual All-American Strength and Conditioning Athlete of the Year award – recognizing his dedication to strength training and conditioning. This is the third year in a row under Coach Tobi Jacobi that a CSU athlete has earned the distinction, and for the first time in school history, CSU had four student-athletes earn the honor.

This year, the NSCA awarded 247 collegiate and high school athletes from 96 schools with this esteemed award. Walton was selected by strength coach Travis Jefferson, who said “Joel has earned all three award levels in the Buccaneer Classic competition. He is a two-time all-conference honoree, leads the team in forced fumbles and quarterback hurries, and is tied for second on the team in sacks. He is a great leader on and off the field.”

Alan Kinniburgh, NSCA’s Executive Director adds, “The advantage of strength training and conditioning cannot be denied in collegiate and high school athletics. These student-athletes attest to this understanding, and are to be applauded for their hard work and dedication.”

The NSCA All-American Athlete of the Year Award program is in its 32nd year, and is made possible by a grant from Power Systems, Inc., a Knoxville, Tenn., fitness product leader.

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

Past CSU Honorees:
2009: Mike McCann (Football), Brittany Giannini (Softball)
2010: Kwame Krakue (Football), Tina DeCarvalho (Women’s Basketball)
2011: Joel Walton (Football), Tom Burkett (Baseball), Marija Dzakovic (Women’s Tennis), Kelsey Wasmer (Women’s Basketball)