Illinois State student-athletes Sarah Anderson, Ryan Cantrell and Ted Wulf were selected by the National Strength and Conditioning Association as All-American Athletes for 2002.
Anderson, a native of Jacksonville, Ill., and a member of the Redbird gymnastics team is currently finishing her last season on the squad. A regular competitor on the vault and floor events, Anderson set a career best on the vault with a 9.675 score against Illinois-Chicago on March 9. After training for four years, Anderson can currently squat 225, bench press 130 and has a vertical jump of 21 inches.
Sarah is a classic example of someone who has used strength training to develop into a better gymnast, head strength and conditioning coach Robert Lindsey said. She is always striving to improve and is not afraid to try new things. She is a great role model.
Cantrell, a native of Bloomington, Ill., is a four-year member of the Redbird baseball team and was recently selected to the 2002 Pepsi/Johnny Quik Classic All-Tournament team. An all-MVC second-team selection in 2001, Cantrell was also named to the Valley Scholar-Athlete First Team. He currently ranks second on the team with a .312 batting average and has six doubles on the year. A regular in the weight room, Cantrell can bench press 275 lbs. and squat 440. His vertical jump reaches 30.5 inches.
Ryan has developed into a leader, not only on the field, but also in the weight room, ISUs assistant strength and conditioning coach Brandon Beckett said. He has dedicated himself to becoming stronger and faster. His enthusiasm in the weight room has set the tone for the baseball team at Illinois State.
Wulf, also a native of Bloomington, Ill., is an offensive lineman for the Redbird football team. He was named a 2000 Verizon All-District V academic selection and was named to the All-Gateway Academic First Team the same year. Bench pressing a whopping 410 lbs. and squatting 695, he can run the 40 yard spring in 5.2 seconds. His vertical jump is 29 inches.
Ted is a typical offensive lineman, Lindsey said. He is very conscience in everything he does. During the summers, he would work construction for 12 hours and still come in and lift and run every single day.
The All-American Strength and Conditioning Athletes are recognized for their athletic accomplishments, academic and personal achievements, community involvement and leadership qualities. This year, 184 athletes from 84 college and universities from across the country in 19 competitive sport categories were acknowledged for their passion and hard work in and out of the weight room.
