After 26 years of work and dedication, a Ball State University professor has earned the National Strength and Conditioning Association's top award. David Pearson, associate professor of Physical Education and director of the Strength Research Laboratory, received the NSCA's Distinction of Fellow award.
Pearson said he is among the first to receive this award. NSCA has about 30,000 members, and 20 have been chosen for this honor, he said.
"It is extra special that I am a part of the first group of inductees," Pearson said.
NSCA President Lee Brown said this honor gives Pearson elevated status in the organization.
"He was chosen because of a lifetime of contributions to the NSCA," Brown said. "And not just contributions, but significant contributions."
Pearson has been published extensively in the NSCA journals, served on the Board of Directors and been chair of the Research Committee, along with his involvement in numerous other committees, Brown said.
"This is not a flash in the pan thing," he said. "This is a longtime commitment to the NSCA and also to the greater community involved in strength and conditioning."
Pearson, who has been an NSCA member since 1981, said the process to apply for the award was extensive.
Brown said each member applied by sending in a curriculum vitae, and gained points based on achievements such as publications in journals, presentations in meetings, services for committees, certification and professional services to any outside organization in the field, he said.
Pearson was an easy applicant to decide upon, and the NSCA is proud to have him in the organization, Brown said.
The NSCA, which Pearson said consists of professionals who try to spread the benefits of strength and conditioning through academics, research and service, will be honoring Pearson and other fellows in Atlanta in July.
In addition to his NSCA award, Pearson also received a Merit of Excellence Award from the University of California-Los Angeles for his three years of experience there, he said. He enjoyed his time working as a consultant for the UCLA Speed, Strength and Conditioning department, Pearson said.
"UCLA tries to have a big-picture approach to conditioning," he said.
Pearson said he worked on performance enhancement in student athletes. He worked with every aspect of the student athlete, primarily with football and men's basketball, including aspects of sleep patterns, eating habits, nutrition, academics and conditioning programs, he said.
Pearson said his work led him to some conclusions in regards to this.
"If you only concentrate on conditioning, you aren't looking at the whole picture," he said.
Pearson had the opportunity to work with Ball State student athletes and coaches as well, he said.
"My work at Ball State helped me develop ideas to help consult with speed, strength and conditioning at UCLA," he said.
Pearson said he changed the pregame football breakfast from steak and eggs to a high carbohydrate breakfast during his time at Ball State. He said he also "decaffeinated" many athletes, which helped with dehydration issues and sleeping problems.
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