(May 15, 2007) - The past week has been very rewarding for assistant track and field coach Meg Stone. On Thursday, Stone was one of four recipients to receive the first-ever "Legend in the Field of Strength and Conditioning" award, which was voted on by the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches association (CSCCa), and over the weekend she helped guide the ETSU men to the 2007 Atlantic Sun Outdoor Track and Field Championship, marking the first outdoor title in school history.

Stone flew out Salt Lake City, Utah, where she and three other strength and conditioning coaches were honored for their tremendous contributions and outstanding achievements in the field of work. Along with Stone, Al Miller (Atlanta Falcons, Denver Broncos and NY Giants), Boyd Epley (University of Nebraska) and Al Vermeil (Chicago Bulls) were the four coaches who received the first-ever award for their accomplishments in the field of strength and conditioning.

"I was shocked when I first heard about being honored with the award," said Stone. "It was a tremendous honor to be recognized with this group of men, and also to be the first women to receive the accomplishment. The strength and conditioning field is a male dominated area, so to have the committee acknowledge my hard work and success is a huge pat on the back."

After an illustrious career in track and field Stone took the position of Head Strength and Conditioning coach at the University of Arizona in 1984, becoming the first-ever female Head Strength coach at the Division I football-playing institution. During her 10-year stint at Arizona Stone was the director of the entire program, having responsibility for the total program but particularly, football, baseball and basketball. After her time with the Wildcats she then moved to Texas Tech University to take position of Director of Strength and Conditioning. Having spent three profitable years in Lubbock culminating in the football team having its first-ever appearance in the Cotton Bowl, Meg decided to turn her career back to coaching.

Coach Stone wrapped up a successful second year at ETSU where she coaches the Buccaneer throwers and is responsible for the strength and conditioning program of all the track and field athletes. Stone's throwers broke several records in 2007, including indoor men's weight and shot put, women's indoor shot, men's outdoor shot and hammer and women's outdoor hammer. Two of her throwers also garnered conference championships along with sweeping the Most Outstanding Freshmen Performer honors during last weekend's outdoor championships.  

At Thursday's "Legends' Evening", Stone was honored with a video highlighting her accomplishments throughout her lifetime, including her interests and activities in sports, strength and conditioning field, family, and career achievements. In addition to the video, Meg and other honorees took part in a "Legends Round Table", which lasted an hour and half. This segment featured Stone and the other honorees taking part in talking about certain topics and answering questions, regarding the field of strength and conditioning.

Stone was elated to receive the award and be apart of this special group. She works hard everyday and will continue in her success of improving the strength and conditioning of her throwers as well as for the entire program.