If you are an athlete you’ve probably heard of it, but most students don’t really know what it is. SAAC, the Student Athletic Advisory Committee, is an organized group of Javelina athletes and supporters bringing recognition and equality to athletics at Texas A&M University- Kingsville.
“So, our goal for SAAC is to promote Javelina Athletics in the community. It’s just to unify athletics and Javelina Nation if you will. It also gives our students a voice between the athletics department and the student body. It’s a way for us to tell the athletes if they have any concerns or anything they notice, to bring it to SAAC and we approach the athletic department that way,” Julie Oberriter, SAAC’s adviser, said.
The idea of the committee is to practice equality by giving everyone a chance in the spotlight. Athletes from all Javelina athletic teams are included. Oberriter asks for two representatives from each team. This way, every team has a voice.
“My main goal is to always voice the opinions and ideas of the members before my own. I take pride in this role and consistently put forth my best effort to authentically represent the student-athletes on campus and at the conference level. I am excited to see the progress our group will make this year,” Madeline Maltais, SAAC’s president, said.
Committees like SAAC are deemed important by the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA). The Lone Star Conference, being a part of the NCAA, ensures that each university sees the importunate in committees like SAAC.
“SAAC gives athletes an opportunity to become well-rounded members of society and strengthen their leadership skills, as the voices of their teams. We also listen to the feedback and insight of our representatives regarding issues they encounter and strive to provide the necessary resources and events to improve their experience at TAMUK,” Maltais said.
Although athletes know of SAAC, most students on campus don’t. That is something SAAC is working to change.
“Not a lot of people know about SAAC. So, we want to make it bigger this year but not project it in a way that it’s just for athletes. I feel like we are more of an organization to help the athletes feel at home. Other than giving back to the community, we are trying to give back to the athletes. The athletes do receive awards and things like that from the [NCAA] but not everyone gets noticed. It’s about giving back to the community and the athletes as well,” Janelle Olguin, SAAC’s treasurer, said.
SAAC members go to every home game at TAMUK.
“For the tailgates or volleyball games we’ve been around hosting [activities] and things like that. Soon we’ll have face paintings because we are trying to raise money for our athlete’s banquet,” Oberriter said.
SAAC’s next large event will be at the Fall Carnival on Oct. 24. Members will set up a photo booth and table to provide pictures, snacks, and information about the committee.