COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) has named four Dukes as recipients of  2020 All-American Athlete Awards. Brendan Thompson & Bill O'Malley (football), Paige Cannon (women's basketball) and Baylee Steele (men's basketball) were all recognized for their athletic accomplishments and dedication to strength and conditioning. Nominated by the DU Strength and Conditioning staff, the quartet was cited for determination to improve in athletics while maintaining academic prominence and serving as great models for student-athletes everywhere.

"We are proud to have Coach John Henderson and his staff join the NSCA in its mission to safely improve athletic performance," says Eric McMahon, NSCA's Coaching Program Manager, "Supporting our student-athletes guarantees a stronger future for the NSCA."

For an updated list of the All-American Athletes of the Year award, visit www.nsca.com.


Anthony Longo, Assistant Director of Strength and Conditioning on Brendan Thompson:
"Brendan Thompson became the heart and soul of the Duquesne football program in his final two seasons. His leadership and 'never say die' attitude made him the model student athlete. His commitment to his development in the weight room made him one of the strongest student-athletes in program history. The determination he showed was passed on to his teammates, making them work harder to achieve their individual goals. He led by example, and I am forever grateful for the impact he made on me and on our program. Brendan's personal records include: 325 power clean, 540 back squat, 375 bench press."

Anthony Longo, Assistant Director of Strength and Conditioning on Bill O'Malley: "
"Bill O'Malley is the hardest working, most dedicated student athlete I have ever had the privilege of working with. The amount of time and effort Bill has put in to his development has been unmatched. Through a detailed and disciplined approach to strength and conditioning, as well as his craft on the field, he has become a leader and a model for anyone who joins our program. His leadership and willingness to put the team first shows the high character individual that he is. The way he has transformed his body and mind in such a short period of time has been nothing short of remarkable. Bill's personal records include: 315 Power Clean, 485 Back Squat, 335 Bench Press."

Christopher Tarullo, Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach on Paige Cannon:
"Paige is undoubtedly one of the hardest workers to ever step foot onto Duquesne's campus. She is tenacious in her efforts to improve daily and push those around her to improve. Her energy, leadership, and work ethic in the weight room, on the court, and in the classroom are all valuable components contributing to the team's overall success. Paige has been a tremendous leader, captain, and ambassador for our women's basketball program. She represents what every student-athlete should strive to become. It has been a privilege to coach and aid in the development of a person with such high character. I am grateful for our relationship we have built in the weight room, as well as on and off the court."

John Henderson, Associate Athletic Director / Sports Medicine and Performance on Baylee Steele:
"Baylee Steele is one of the hardest working student-athletes I have ever had the privilege to work with. He made an instant impact on our team in the weight room and on the court. Baylee approached every day with a professional's dedication to strength and conditioning, nutrition, and his craft. I'm grateful for the relationship we built in the weight-room, as well as on and off of the court. Baylee never had to be motivated to give his best effort. Self-driven, he maximized his training in the mandatory sessions as well as consistently dedicated himself to extra work. Baylee's accomplishments include achieving personal records of a 440 pound deadlift and a 350 pound back squat at a height of 6-foot-11."