April 1, 2005
EASTON, Pa. (www.lafayette.edu) - Lafayette seniors Stephen Bono and Heidi Olichwier have been selected as 2005 National Strength and Conditioning Association All-Americans.
The NSCA recognizes those collegiate athletes whose athletic accomplishments, in the opinion of their strength coach, reflect their dedication to strength training and conditioning. They are also recognized for their academic and personal accomplishments and their integrity as student-athletes.
Lafayette strength and conditioning coach Steve Mannino, in his third year on College Hill, nominated Bono and Olichwier for recognition.
Bono was named the Patriot League's Football Scholar-Athlete of the Year and is the only two-time recipient of the Maroon Club Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award. He led Lafayette to the Patriot League championship and its first-ever postseason appearance, and anchored an offensive line that paved the way for the Leopards to rank second in the league in rushing.
"Stephen's discipline shows in the weight room, the classroom and on the playing field. Selected as the team's co-captain, Stephen was a four-year starter at right guard who never missed a lifting or conditioning workout. In addition to numerous academic accolades, Stephen was selected as an All-Patriot League performer and an ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American," Mannino said.
Olichwier finished her career at setter for the Lafayette volleyball squad as the school's record holder in assists, aces and games played. She captained the Leopards to a 15-14 record in 2004.
"Heidi's commitment to the strength and conditioning program has paid huge dividends during her time at Lafayette," Mannino said. "During the past four years her hard work and leadership has motivated the entire team to continuously improve in the weight room and on the court, culminating in the team's first winning season since 1994. During that time she played in 395 consecutive games, which ranks in the top 20 in the history of Division I volleyball."
Past recipients of the award are John Weyrauch (football) and Colleen Fitzpatrick (basketball) in 2004, and Matt Tambellini (baseball) and Jackie Bingham (track and field) in 2003.
