Northwestern University Athletics
Two Wildcats Named NSCA All-Americans
4/20/2004 12:00:00 AM | General
April 20, 2004
EVANSTON, Ill.--Northwestern athletes Matt Ulrich (Streamwood, Ill./Streamwood) and Ifeoma Okonkwo (Spring, Texas/Klein Oak) were named National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) All-Americans, the organization announced, for their accomplishments in and dedication to strength training and conditioning.
Ulrich, a junior offensive lineman, and Okonkwo, a sophomore forward on the basketball team, were nominated by NU Director of Strength and Conditioning Larry Lilja in December for being the respective 2002-03 male and female leaders in overall performance in seven different categories.
Each accumulated the most points (based on position and body size) for improvements in the incline press, squat, hang clean, 300-yard shuttle, 20-yard shuttle, vertical jump and 40-yard dash.
Ulrich's personal bests include bench pressing 475 lbs. and squatting 705 lbs. He also has recorded 365 lbs. in the power clean and a 33-inch vertical jump.
"Dedication to the off-season strength and conditioning program has helped Matt to develop into one of the Big Ten Conference's strongest and quickest offensive lineman," said Lilja, who also is an NSCA member.
Okonkwo boasts a power clean of 150 lbs., a squat of 255 lbs. and a bench press of 155 lbs. In addition, she has been timed at 5.06 seconds in the 40-yard dash.
"Ifeoma is a natural athlete with a great attitude toward her athletic development," said Lilja. "Not only does she excel on an individual level, but she also pushes her teammates to do the same."
The NSCA works with well-known industry experts to enhance, enlighten and advance the field of strength and conditioning. It offers two nationally accredited certification programs-the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and the NSCA Certified Personal Trainer.
