Christine Michael named 2009 EAS Speed & Strength Award Winner

The U.S. Army All-American Bowl and EAS have named U.S. Army All-American, running back Christine Michael (West Brook High School, Beaumont, Texas) the 2009 EAS Speed & Strength Award Winner. Michael was honored as the nation's fastest, strongest and most dedicated high school football player this evening at the U.S. Army All-American Awards Dinner in San Antonio. He was presented with the Walter Payton Trophy, modeled after the NFL's late great Chicago Bears running back.

"Abbott has made education a hallmark of its EAS business," said Monica Hysell, general manager and division vice president of Abbott Nutrition's Healthy Living business. "By honoring the fastest, strongest and most dedicated high school football player, we hope to encourage other students to pursue athletic achievements through hard work and to educate them about the important role nutrition plays in athletic performance."

Four finalists, including tight end Ronnie Wingo Jr. (University High School, St. Louis, Mo.), defensive back Dre Kirkpatrick (Gadsden City High School, Gadsden, Ala.), and defensive lineman Donte Moss (Northside High School, Jacksonville, N.C.), traveled to Athletes Performance training facility in Tempe, Ariz., in December, worked out with top athletic trainers and competed in a series of speed, strength and agility tests. Michael best represented Payton's athleticism, hard work and ideals.

Past Walter Payton Trophy award recipients include Nigel Bradham (Florida State) in 2008, Arrelious Benn (Illinois) in 2007, Taylor Mays (USC) in 2006, and Ryan Reynolds (Oklahoma) in 2005.

"The Army All-American Bowl is celebration of strength - mental, physical and emotional. The strength of the Army Strong Solider that can be found nowhere else," said Colonel David Lee, Deputy Chief of Staff, G-7, Strategic Communications, Marketing and Outreach, U.S. Army Accessions Command. "The winner of the EAS Speed and Strength Award epitomizes the Army's high standards of excellence in training, determination and athletic distinction. His talents and determination closely mirror those of the American Soldier."