April 6, 2011

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Samford senior offensive lineman Thomas Gray recently received the All-American Strength and Conditioning Athlete of the Year award from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), recognizing student-athletes dedicated to strength training and conditioning.

This year, the NSCA awarded 247 college and high school athletes from 96 schools with this award. Gray was selected by football strength and conditioning coach, Paul Hogan.

"Thomas always wanted me to bump his maxes up," Hogan said. "Every workout he would come to me and say the weight was too light. He came to work every day with a positive, can-do attitude. If a pro team gives him a shot, they're getting a deal."

Gray, a 6-5, 320-pound native of Vestavia Hills, Ala., bench pressed 500 pounds. He squatted 850 pounds in the back squat, and he lifted 350 pounds in the power clean push press.

At Samford's annual Pro Day, Gray ran a 5.19, 40-yard dash. He also had a vertical leap of 27 inches.

The NSCA All-America Athlete of the Year Award program is in its 32nd year, and is made possible by a grant from Power Systems, Inc., a Knoxville, Tenn., fitness product leader.

For a complete list of All-American Strength and Conditioning Athletes, contact the NSCA at 800-815-6826, or by e-mail at nsca@nsca-lift.org.