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April 10, 2008

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) has awarded four Marquette University student-athletes its annual All-America Strength and Conditioning Athlete of the Year award. The award recognizes the student-athletes' dedication to strength and conditioning.

Junior Michelle Compty of women's soccer, junior Jessica Kieser of volleyball, senior Greg Sirotek from the men's tennis team and junior Wesley Matthews of the men's basketball team each were honored with this award.

Compty helped the Marquette women's soccer team to go undefeated through its first 10 matches of the season and to eclipse the 11-win mark for the 12th consecutive season. Compty started in all 20 matches and totaled 10 points on four goals and two assists.

"Michelle has the most impressive work ethic of any athlete I have coached," said head strength coach Todd Smith. "She inspires her teammates and intimidates her opponents."

Kieser played in all 26 matches, starting in five for the 2007 season. The Verona, Wis. native saw action in 94 games, while recording 11 service aces. She recorded a team-high three service aces in a five game match against Miami (Fla.) on Aug. 31.

"Jess is the hardest working person on the volleyball team. She inspires her teammates as well as other athletes," said assistant strength coach Rudy Thomas. "She not only excels in athletics, but also in the classroom. Jess always displays a positive attitude and is very coachable."

Sirotek has posted a winning singles record in each season as a member of the men's tennis team, including a 9-5 mark for the 2007-08 campaign. This season, he has helped the Golden Eagles to a 13-6 overall record, winning 12 of those matches at Helfaer Tennis Stadium. In doubles play, he has teamed with Graydon Klassen to put together a 5-3 overall mark, 2-0 in dual play.

"Greg is a consummate leader," said Thomas. "He was the only tennis player that stayed to train over the summer. He sought out our strength and conditioning staff and asked what he could do to make himself better. He is an athlete that needs no external motivation, he is able to push and motivate himself as well as his teammates. He is well-respected among student-athletes because he is such a hard worker. His dedication to the weight room is very evident on the court and has paid him big dividends."

Matthews, a three-year starter, was one of four Marquette players to average double-figures during the 2007-08 season with a scoring average of 11.3 ppg. He recorded season averages of 4.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists to go along with a free throw percentage of 79.0 percent. Matthews helped the Golden Eagles to win a program best 11 times in BIG EAST play and advance to the second round of NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2003.

"Wes is the hardest worker on the basketball court, in the weight room and in the classroom. His passion to get better inspires his teammates to do more quality work," said Smith.

The quartet of Marquette student-athletes was recognized for their athletic accomplishments, in the opinion of the strength coach, which reflects their dedication to strength training and conditioning. These athletes are also recognized for their academic and personal accomplishments as well as their integrity as student athletes.

This year, the NSCA awarded 239 collegiate athletes from 165 schools with this esteemed award.

For more information on the NSCA please visit its website: www.nsca-lift.org.