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Ryan McKee Named National Strength and Conditioning Association Athlete of the Year Award
The former offensive lineman one of 207 individuals honored.
Ryan McKee

Ryan McKee

April 20, 2009

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Ryan McKee, a former University of Southern Mississippi football player, recently was named to the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) annual All-America Strength and Conditioning Athlete of Year awards.

McKee, who started every game for the Golden Eagles over the last three seasons at right tackle, was one of 207 honorees from 116 schools to garner this esteemed award.

The Spanish Fort, Ala., native was selected by Southern Miss strength and conditioning coach Scott Bennett.

"Ryan did a spectacular job in his final off-season and summer," said Bennett. "He gained 25 pounds of lean body weight and maintained a very high level of conditioning. His life is a role model for leadership and spirit. He finds way to make things work, never takes short cuts and brings a tremendous work ethic to the team every single day without fail."

McKee headlined a Golden Eagle offensive line that surpassed the school's record for total offense in each of the last three seasons, including a 5,636 yard mark in 2008. The Golden Eagles also had 1,000-yard rushing seasons each season from Damion Fletcher during that time as Southern Miss captured 23 wins and reached three bowl games, winning two of them.

The NSCA All-American Athlete of the Year award program is in its 30th year and is made possible by a grant from Power Systems, Inc., a Knoxville, Tenn., fitness product leader.

Former Golden Eagle defensive lineman Matthew Chatelain garnered this award last season.