by Matt Cresto
Staff Writer
Assistant head trainer Jim May and women’s basketball and softball coach Julie Kline are trying to bring back a voice for the student athlete. The two are trying to revive the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) that once flourished at the University of La Verne.
The nationally known committee allows student athletes to have an opinion about what goes on in their sport, but also has a great deal to do with community relations. It allows students to voice their opinions and solve problems throughout the athletic community.
“If it is an issue as far as athletics in general that the athletes feel strongly about, it’s a great way for them to unite and go further up the administration chain to get their voice heard,” said May.
The committee was first started by Athletic Director Jim Paschal, but last year the committee never got the jump start in the right direction. This year May and Kline hope to bring forth good things for the future here at La Verne.
“We are just trying to get it started this year and get it going strong,” said May. “Next year we will have a good base to work off things more in-depth.”
The student-based committee is not run by the faculty but by the students. Two representatives from each sport are chosen by their coach to represent their team. The committee also has elected officials to lead the discussions.
Junior soccer and softball player Robin Haaker heads the committee as the chairman. Football player Manny Rodriguez was elected co-chairman, and Cara Forrest was named secretary. These three positions will carry over into next year as well.
Two sub committees have evolved from SAAC: the inter sport relations committee and the community outreach committee. Two SAAC members are put in charge of these groups.
The SAAC will apply to become a ULV club sometime next month.
The committee right now is working on a Habitat for Humanity program that will join together student athletes in constructing a house for the poor. SAAC is working on building more events for the student athlete to participate in with the community. A canned food drive is the next event on the agenda.
The committee of approximately 40 student athletes meets tentatively on Thursdays at 9 p.m.
