Hernandez receives All-American Strength and Conditioning Athlete of the Year award

CHICAGO -- Senior Erik Hernandez, one of the top performers on Loyola's men's track and field team, was recognized last month by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) with its All-American Strength and Conditioning Athlete of the Year award given annually to student-athletes demonstrating dedication to strength training and conditioning.

The West Chicago, Ill., native was one of 207 collegiate athletes from 116 schools to receive such an honor from the NSCA, which is in its 30th year for the award.

"Erik has done a phenomenal job of pushing himself not only in track and field, but in the weight room and classroom as well," said Loyola strength and conditioning coach Ryan Carroll. "His constant desire to get better has expanded into a student-instructor role for other athletes in the department. The commitment to excellence Erik shows can be seen by his records in the weight room and by his numerous school records in track and field. I cannot think of a more deserving athlete at Loyola University for this award."

Hernandez, the lone thrower this season on the men's squad, recently completed a successful indoor campaign during which he broke his own school record in the weight throw with a mark of 17.06m (55-11.75), while also recording first-place finishes in the shot put on three separate occasions.

At just his second meet of the outdoor season, Hernandez set a new personal best in the hammer throw with a distance of 51.39m (168-07.00). The senior was also recognized numerous times during the indoor season for his work in the classroom, garnering U.S. Army Horizon League Scholar Athlete of the Week honors twice and also received the monthly award for February.

Release courtesy of Loyola Sports Information Intern Amy Hyerczyk