COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – A school record nine Lamar University student-athletes have been named National Strength and Conditioning Association (NCSA) All-Americans announced organization officials. LU's nine athletes represent five sports and include Nicole Panis (soccer), Luke Wallis (football), Daniel Cole (baseball), Ryan Snell (baseball), Ethan Ruiz (baseball), Sam Bean (softball), Diamond Milton (track and field), Faith Outing (Track and Field) and Jayci Wong (women's tennis).
 
The NSCA All-America honor recognizes athletic accomplishments and student-athlete dedication to strength and conditioning, while maintaining academic prominence.
 
Founded in 1978, the NSCA is a non-profit association dedicated to advancing the strength and conditioning and related sport science professions around the world. The NSCA exists to empower a community of professionals to maximize their impact through disseminating evidence-based knowledge and its practical application by offering industry-leading certifications, research journals, career development services, networking opportunities, and continuing education. The NSCA community is composed of more than 60,000 members and certified professionals throughout the world who further industry standards as researchers, educators, strength and conditioning coaches, performance and sport scientists, personal trainers, tactical professionals, and other related roles.
 
Considered one of the nation's top strength and conditioning coordinators, Darcy has served as the university's coordinator for the past seven seasons. During that time, he has made it commonplace for LU male and female student-athletes to be recognized for their work in the weight room. In the past three seasons alone, the Cardinals have had 17 student-athletes garner NSCA All-America honors.
 
Quotes from LU Strength and Conditioning Staff:
Miles Edmond On Nicole Panis
"Nicole is a leader, hard worker and the definition of a model teammate. She constantly pushes her teammates and herself, and always looking to do extra work. Her continuous work has earned her multiple conference honors and one of the lowest goals allowed percentages in the country."
 
Dan Darcy on Luke Wallis
"Luke went from a walk-on linebacker to a scholarship long snapper over his career. Being thrust into action as a true freshman in a playoff game was "trial by fire" and he rose to the challenge. Wallis also left his mark in the weight room with the Specialist Back Squat record at 510 pounds. When faced with adversity in his career, his true character of being humble and hardworking showed through daily leaving a positive impact on the program."
 
 
Dan Darcy on Daniel Cole
"Daniel Cole (DC) recommitted himself to preparing his body last summer for his senior season leading to the addition of quality muscle mass and newfound confidence. He was expected to lead a stable of new faces on the pitching staff and has embraced the opportunity. DC's presence and positive energy during lift sessions positively impacts everyone on the team."
 
Dan Darcy on Ryan Snell
"Snell set an off-season goal of leaning out and building his total body strength and durability to a new level. His focused efforts have led him to being the most physically prepared for a season he has been in during his career. Snell already had the respect of his teammates from his play behind the plate. This past off-season has taken his leadership to the next level amongst his teammates."
 
Dan Darcy on Ethan Ruiz
"Ethan gave up his winter break to stay in town and train leading into this season. He has developed exceptional technique leading to some very solid strength gains and is one of the strongest pound-for-pound lifters on the team. He has been asked to do it all from starting at various positions as well as coming off the bench and producing in critical moments on the field. Ruiz is prepared for any challenge thrown his way."
 
Drew Compton on Sam Bean
"Sam came to Lamar University and immediately made an impact. She is a natural leader and works contagiously hard. She is dedicated to the process for her and her teammates to succeed in the weight room, classroom, and on the field. She does everything in her power to ensure the best chances of success. She increased her back squat by 25 pounds, bench press by 10 pounds, clean by 17, vertical jump by three inches and broad jump by 2 inches over the past year. She even volunteered as an intern for our strength and conditioning staff, which she supplied us with incomparable help and work ethic beyond expectations. She makes those around her better and her efforts never go unnoticed."
 
Adriana Rincon on Diamond Milton
"It has been an honor to be Diamond's strength coach during my time at Lamar. I have been able to see a determined young lady that has given herself high expectations and has done everything she can to achieve them. She is a pure leader on and off the track and I wish all my athletes were like her. Diamond is a top scholar in the classroom that takes the lead into many volunteer opportunities around the community. She has dedicated herself to her team and this sport and I'm more than proud to see her continue to do great things in her future!"
 
Adriana Rincon on Faith Outing
"Talk about a leader who is selfless and pushes herself and her team to be the best versions of themselves every day! Faith represents everything a strength coach wants in an athlete because of her work ethic, drive and exceptional leadership. She is a true scholar in the classroom that also contributes to many volunteer opportunities across the community. Faith has dedicated her time to becoming the best athlete she can be but an even a better person for the one's she cares about. It's more than just a sport for her and I will always be in her corner as her coach to support her!"
 
Adriana Rincon on Jayci Wong
"Jayci is an athlete that you wished every athlete could be. She is known to be a leader, hard worker, and a great person to be around. Her teammates look up to her and she takes it's serious enough to continue to set her goals higher and higher. She continues to beat the odds every day and her determination and dedication will always help her achieve greatness. It has been a true honor to coach Jayci, to see a kid become a woman that is always looking to better herself as athlete and person. I'm more than proud of her!"