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Sterling Strength and Conditioning Award

Presented to a Central College athlete who:

Demonstrates a burning passion to become the best athlete he/she can be through the use of strength and conditioning.
Demonstrates leadership in Central’s strength and conditioning program.
Demonstrates improvement in performance in his/her sport due to gains made during strength and conditioning training.

This award is endowed by Travis Sterling PT, OCS, CSCS. Sterling is a 1993 Central College graduate and was a first-team all-Iowa Conference offensive lineman in 1992. He received Central’s Bruce Wendt Award as the team’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman. Sterling is one Iowa’s few physical therapists who is a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. He operates Sterling Physical Therapy Clinic, PC in Pella and specializes in rehabilitation of orthopaedic, sports and workers compensation injuries. Sterling is passionate and knowledgeable about strength and conditioning, serving as a valuable resource. His dedication to Central and his continued support have been integral to the school’s strength and conditioning program.

Male Strength & Conditioning Athletes of the Year

2004: Ike Hammerly (Offensive lineman, Football)

Coach Anderson says: "Ike fully embraced all that Central Strength had to offer. With an aggressive training style, he went through a total body transformation to become a dominant offensive lineman and leader both in the weight room and on the football field."

2005: Adam Duerfeldt (Catcher, Baseball)

Coach Anderson says: "Adam holds nearly every weight room record for the baseball team in both speed and strength categories. His balance of speed, power and athleticism helped him become an all-conference baseball player and set multiple records. Adam’s leadership abilities infected those around him and raised their level of play. Every morning Adam came in with an attack mentality and approached his training like he would any game day."

2006: Nick Cochrane (Tennis)

Coach Anderson says: "Nick dominated his sport of tennis and this was a direct result of his work ethic and passion to excel. With his never-quit attitude he led by example. As one of Central’s first tennis athletes to embrace strength and conditioning, he led the way and soon others followed. His quest for perfection was always prevalent in his approach to practice. His goal was a simple one: keep getting better and use all the tools available. This approach helped Nick become his best."

2007: Nick Reed (Offensive Lineman, Football)

Coach Anderson says: "Nick came in as a 187-pound offensive lineman and left as a 265-pound All-American. Nick embraced every opportunity to get better. His dedication was unmatched. Nick’s work ethic, passion for his teammates, focus on nutrition and love of training led him to success. His infectious attitude led those around him to excel. Nick changed the culture and attitude of the Central Strength program."

2008: Michael Edwards (first baseman, Baseball)

Coach Anderson says: "A burning passion was always inside of Michael. From day one he was a leader who embraced the power of strength and conditioning and it helped him become a solid leader and a phenomenal baseball player. Michael grew in a lot of ways during his time at Central College and thanks to his leadership, the baseball program’s approach to training has been transformed."

Female Strength and Conditioning Athletes of the Year

2004: Kate Pipho (Goalie, Soccer)

Coach Anderson says: "Kate quickly embraced strength and conditioning. As a leader on the soccer field and in the weight room she led by example and became a defensive force on the soccer field. Kate was a vocal leader who was respected by all and helped her team improve each year."

2005: Abby Frye (First base, Softball)

Coach Anderson says: "Abby was plagued with some lower body strength deficiencies resulting in an increased risk of injury. But she dedicated herself to doing everything within her control to become a better athlete. Her willingness to work through pain helped her become a very powerful athlete. An exceptional student as well, Abby was a very focused and driven player."

2006: Dawn Nissen (Shortstop, Softball)

Coach Anderson says: "Never has Central seen an athlete possess such high levels of strength, speed and explosive power. She set new standards on tests for quickness, strength and vertical jump. This did not come easily. Her aggressive approach and passion for training helped her to continue to improve over her four years and helped those around her achieve their goals as well."

Chelsey Keller 2007: Chelsey Keller (Thrower, Track & Field)

Coach Anderson says: "Chelsey epitomized self-motivation and dedication. She viewed each day as an opportunity to improve and this approach helped her achieve a high level of success both in the weight room and in the throwing ring. Chelsey was a quiet leader away from her sport but was a fierce competitor and an outstanding performer."

2008: Kelly Harris (Catcher, Softball)

Coach Anderson says: "Kelly only had one operating mode and that was one of fearless aggression. This personified her approach to training in the weight room and on the softball diamond. Always competing with reckless abandon helped Kelly shatter multiple records on the field and off. She always put her team above herself and she was an inspiration to everyone with whom she came into contact."

"Launching Strength Coaches to Change the Lives of Athletes"