April 19, 2007

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Junior Holly Krzan and senior Kyle Bissinger have been named UAB's 2007 All-American Strength and Conditioning Athletes of the Year, as announced by the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Krzan plays shortstop on the Blazer softball team, while Bissinger saw extensive action at defensive end for the UAB football team in 2006.

Recipients of the award are chosen by their strength coach in recognition of their dedication to strength and conditioning, along with their academic achievements and overall integrity.

Krzan came to UAB from West Richland, Wash. and immediately impacted the softball team, earning a spot on the Conference USA All-Freshman Team in 2004. After redshirting her sophomore season, Krzan bounced back to earn all-conference honors again after leading the team with 39 RBI in 2006.

"Holly displays the characteristics of the ultimate leader every day," said UAB strength and conditioning director Stacey Torman. "She has improved her bench press from 125 to 170 and her squat from 165 to 275 and she is still a work in process. Her presence alone, on the field and in the weight room, drives her teammates to be the best they can be."

Krzan currently leads the team with 13 doubles and 31 RBI.

Bissinger, an Atlanta native who came to UAB as a quarterback, was switched to linebacker early in his career with the Blazers. His last two seasons were spent at defensive end where he was a significant contributor to the defensive front.

"Kyle has a great work ethic and has shown good leadership during his career," Torman said. "He put on 35 pounds of pure muscle over three years and increased his bench press 225 pounds while transitioning from a high school quarterback to a college defensive end. His extra time and effort in the weight room and in conditioning has contributed to his many improvements."

As a senior in 2006, the 6-3, 255-pound Bissinger had 14 tackles with two sacks and three tackles for loss. He also had two forced fumbles.