COLORADO SPRINGS – The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) has recognized nine Augustana student-athletes as 2020 All-American Athlete Award recipients. Nominated by the Augustana strength & conditioning staff, Alec Blonquist, Alex Woods, Sarah Westerman, Kara McDougall, Linzie Kreizel, Kelly Partington, McKenzee Zilverberg, Regan Bye and Mearah Miedema all received the honor for their determination to improve in athletics while maintaining academic prominence. 
 
"We are proud to have Augustana join the NSCA in its mission to safely improve athletic performance," said Eric McMahon, NSCA's Coaching Program Manager, "Supporting our student-athletes like the eight Vikings guarantee a stronger future for the NSCA."
 
All nine Vikings were nominated by assistant strength & conditioning coordinator Andy Stocks and graduate assistant Michael DiClementi.
 
Alec Blonquist | Football | Defensive Line | Senior
Al has used strength and conditioning to transform his body and performance on the field. He has shown tremendous leadership throughout his career, culminating in being named team captain. Al's love for a challenge and determination to improve will lead him to great accomplishments in life after collegiate athletics. - Andy Stocks
 
Alex Woods | Men's Track & Field | Long Sprints/Hurdles | Senior
Alex's love for lifting has greatly benefitted his career at Augustana. He earned Academic All-NSIC honors during his junior campaign and is consistently a high performer in the weight room and on the track. Alex has thoughtfully pursued both short and long term goals during his athletic career. This foresight will lead him to success after collegiate athletics. - Andy Stocks
 
Sarah Westerman | Women's Track & Field | Sprints/Jumps | Senior
Sarah's tireless work ethic has led her to success on the track, in the classroom and in the weight room. She has earned Academic All-NSIC honors and is a recipient of the Butch Raymond Scholarship. She is also the holder of multiple weight room records. Sarah's toughness and determination will undoubtedly allow her to achieve great things after collegiate athletics. - Andy Stocks
 
Kara McDougall | Softball | Outfield Senior
Kara's tremendous work ethic and grit has allowed her to achieve excellence in the weight room, classroom and on the diamond. She is one of Augustana's strongest athletes pound-for-pound. Kara's 2019 accolades are numerous: NSIC All-Academic Team of Excellence, Easton/NFCA DII Scholar-Athlete, First Team All-NSIC, NSIC All-Tournament Team, NSIC Tournament Champion, Central Region II Champion, and NCAA DII National Champion. The same toughness and drive that Kara used to lead the Vikings to the national championship will carry her on to great things in the future. - Andy Stocks
 
Linzie Kreizel | Swimming | Fly/Back | Senior
Linzie's love for lifting has propelled her to great heights in the weight room. She has consistently been a top performer, holding many team records. Linzie's strong work ethic will carry her to great things in her career after swimming. - Andy Stocks
 
Kelly Partington | Soccer | Midfield | Junior
Kelly's work ethic and determination has allowed her to excel in the weight room, classroom, and on the soccer field. She earned Academic All-NSIC honors in 2017, 2018, and 2019. She was also named team captain in 2019. Kelly has used strength and conditioning along with sports medicine to battle back from numerous injuries. The same attitude that has allowed Kelly to be successful at Augustana will lead her to excellence after college athletics. - Andy Stocks
 
McKenzee Zilverberg | Women's Basketball | Point Guard | Senior
Recipient of the NSIC All-Academic Award and Myles Brand Award. Part of the NSIC All-Academic Team of Excellence. Was a Dean Foods Athlete of the Month. McKenzee is a natural born leader and lead by example. She embodies amazing work ethic that will carry her far in life and was an absolute pleasure to coach. - Michael DiClementi
 
Regan Bye | Wrestling | Senior
Recipient of the NCWA Academic All-America team. Was a part of the NSIC All-Conference Team. Awarded the Dean Foods Athlete of the Month. Regan has amazing leadership skills and incredible work ethic. He was a pleasure to coach and I wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors. - Michael DiClementi
 
Mearah Miedema | Volleyball | Middle Blocker | Junior
Mearah's intense love for lifting and competition has made her a pleasure to work with. She holds team records in the vertical jump and approach jump. Mearah was named to the NSIC All-Academic Team in 2018 and 2019. Mearah's affinity for lifting will undoubtedly fuel her future endeavors. - Andy Stocks
 
About the National Strength & Conditioning Association
 
The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is an international nonprofit professional association founded in 1978 and is dedicated to advancing the strength and conditioning profession around the world. The NSCA advances the profession by supporting strength and conditioning professionals devoted to helping others discover and maximize their strengths. The organization disseminates research-based knowledge and its practical application by offering industry-leading certifications, research journals, career development services, and continuing education opportunities. The NSCA community is composed of more than 45,000 members and certified professionals who further industry standards as researchers, educators, strength coaches, personal trainers, and other roles in related fields.
Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the NSCA serves as a valuable resource for its members, the fitness industry, general public, and the media. The association provides a wide variety of resources and opportunities designed to strengthen, build, advance, and unify.