CORVALLIS, Ore. - Oregon State baseball pitcher Dallas Buck has been named one of the All-American Strength and Conditioning Athletes of the Year by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). This year, the program recognized 242 athletes at 160 schools for their dedication to strength training and conditioning.

Buck (Newberg, Ore./Newberg HS), a junior righthander, was an All-American during the 2005 season, when he helped Oregon State to the Pacific-10 championship and a berth in the College World Series by posting a 12-1 record and 2.06 earned run average. Buck was a preseason All-American pick in 2006 and currently has a 6-0 record; he also was a defensive back on the OSU football team during his freshman and sophomore years.

"Dallas is an incredible athlete," said OSU strength coach Andy Dendas, who selected Buck for the award. "He has a tremendous drive to compete and to be the best in the weight room and on the field."

Added Robert Jursnick, NSCA executive director: "The advantages of strength training and conditioning cannot be denied in collegiate athletics. These student-athletes attest to this understanding, and are to be applauded for their hard work and dedication."

The NSCA All-American Athlete of the Year Award is in its 27^{th year, and is made possible by a grant from Power Systems Inc., a producer of fitness products based in Knoxville, Tenn.}