ksdtrojan

Troy has continued a steady climb from FCS (formerly Division 1-AA) to FBS (formerly Division 1-A).  In 2001, Troy enjoyed it first full season as a member of Division 1-A football.  Since that year Troy has steadily increased its success with on the field performances and with draft choices and free agent signings.  We have beaten teams from the SEC and the Big 12 conferences and have held our own against top competition over the last 7 seasons.  Recently with the 2008 NFL Draft Troy saw one of its own players get the call to the next level with the number 11 pick to the Buffalo Bills.  Leodis McKelvin is the second player from Troy to be drafted in the number 11 spot.  The other player is none other than DeMarcus Ware, Pro Bowl Line Backer for the Dallas Cowboys.  Leodis will join the other 5 players who are currently playing in the league:  DeMarcus Ware - Dallas Cowboys, Osi Umenyiora - New York Giants, Lawrence Tynes - New York Giants, Brannon Condren - Indianapolis Colts, and Alfred Malone - Green Bay Packers.  Leodis is not the only Trojan to join an NFL team from the most recent class of graduating Trojans.  Free agent deals have been made between the following players and teams:  Gary Banks - San Diego Chargers, Marcus Richardson - Houston Texans, Chris Bradwell - Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Elbert Mack - Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Marcus Pitman - Kansas City Chiefs.  The Trojans have improved their numbers in the NFL from 5 to 11 with this years class and could add even more with several players receiving invitation to try out for several teams: Josh Allen - New England Patriots, Kenny Cattouse - New England Patriots, and Zarah Yisreal - New Orleans Saints.  Troy could see as many as 14 active players in the NFL in 2008 if things go well.  Success in athletics is determined in several ways with one being how many athletes are sent to the next level to play.  With the NFL's interest in this years graduating class, Troy's success is evident.  Who knows it may not be long before Troy has a Junior depart Troy for early entry to the draft?

Troy Athletics have an advantage that not many people know about.  The advantage is not some secret drug or potion.  It is not a magical shoe taylored to each athletes foot or a uniform that gives super human strength.  The advantage does not come from eating spinach or some other fuel food given to cartoon characters.  The advantage is in the form of flesh and blood.

Troy has seen several athletes have success after their playing days as a Trojan are finished.  Athletes like DeMarcus Ware, Osi Umenyiora, Lawrence Tynes, Brannon Condren, Alfred Malone, Leodis McKelvin, Amy Lewis, Josh Dew, Tom King, and the list goes on and on and on.  All of these athletes have the advantage.  I am sure if you asked each of these Trojans to name the top 5 reasons they are successful athletes who have extended their careers after college they would point to their head coach as one and various other reasons.  One of the reasons for their success would have to be Strength and Conditioning Coach Richard Shaughnessy.

Who is Richard Shaughnessy?  He has been the strength and conditioning coach at Troy since 1996. 

You can see his bio here:  http://www.troytrojans.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=87292&SPID=10377&DB_OEM_ID=17200&ATCLID=942239&Q_SEASON=2008

After reading Riachard's biography, one thing stands out the most to me.  He is recognized as one of the 18 elite strength coaches in the world by the National Strength and Conditioning Association.  This one award makes him one of Troy's biggest advantages on the fields and courts of competition as he trains each athlete involved in the 17 NCAA sports sponsored by Troy.  He continues each year to produce some of the best athletes Troy has ever seen.  Hopefully Troy can keep this advantage a Trojan for a long time to come.