The primary function of the SAAC, Student Athletic Advisory Committee, is to discuss and resolve issues for USM athletes. But the SAAC does much more than that. They’ve become one of the most active community service groups on campus.
“We have a huge focus on community service, especially to the children in our greater community,” says Shannon Kynoch, a senior social work major. Kynoch is co-president of SAAC and part of the women’s basketball and lacrosse teams.
Events organized by the group include a Halloween party at the Costello Complex which offers families a safe alternative to trick-or-treating, and a “Shop Till You Drop” day around Christmas time, at which parents can drop off their kids in order to do some gift shopping (or go on an adults-only date).
Youngsters are given a chance to play games with college athletes and then watch “the big kids” play in their own collegiate match.
Other kid-oriented activities in which the group participates include visits to the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital in Portland and a backyard skate fundraiser started by 11-year-old Gorham resident, Mick Manser.
It is very important to the committee to consider their positions as role models.
“As athletes, kids look up to us, for no other reason than the fact we can play a sport better than a lot of people and put on a USM jersey,” says Tyler Ravlo, a senior hockey player, exercise physiology major, and vice president of SAAC. “You’re a role model whether you like it or not.”
Upcoming events for SAAC include the Husky Ball, a semi-formal dance for athletes to be held at the Eastland on April 12, and a food and clothing drive to benefit the Preble Street Resource Center in Portland. Boxes for the drive can be found in the dorms and sports complex this week.
The group also participates in the many events on campus, including homecoming and the spring fling. They are trying to have representation in as many aspects of university life as possible-hoping to bring a little spirit back to USM.
For athletes and sports teams, SAAC provides an invaluable service.
“At Division III we don’t have the same kind of budget as D-I schools, and we do have issues that need to be taken care of,” says Ravlo.
Kynoch adds that these issues “cover everything from if teams feel they’re being overlooked by the athletic department to [troubles with] food service and transportation.”
The committee is made up of students from almost all of USM’s 22 athletic teams.
Some of the teams currently unrepresented are the tennis teams, women’s track, and men’s lacrosse.
According to Ravlo, this is something the committee is set on changing.
Whatever the reasons for their lack of involvement, Ravlo says that it’s easier to help teams and athletes out when they’re represented by SAAC.
If you’re a student athlete and are interested in joining SAAC, their next meeting is Sunday, April 13, in the ice arena classroom in Gorham at 7 p.m. You can also contact Tyler Ravlo at [email protected].