SAAC

St. Lawrence University's "Power of Pink" week - a week of events coordinated by student-athletes to raise funds in support of breast cancer awareness - raised $5,400, which students gave to the Gouverneur Business Women.

The Gouverneur Business Women assist families in the North Country with expenses related to screening for and treatment of breast cancer. In the three years that the athletes have been conducting the events, about $18,800 has been raised, in total.

While there were many notable events held the weekend of November 2nd, at St. Lawrence University, none was as exciting as the student-athlete advisory committee as the "All Campus Pep Rally" which kicked off the 2012 Homecoming Weekend events. This year, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee volunteered to help kick off the weekend by assisting with the event which was held in Burkman Gymnasium. Hundreds of people packed the gymnasium as Sports Information co-Director Joe Kenniston built up positive momentum and excitement throughout the evening. Former Men's Ice Hockey Coach Joe Marsh and current Director of Athletics Margie Strait also spoke at the event. The rally included a tug of war competition as well as a "pub" cookie eating contest.

On September 26th, St. Lawrence University Student-Athletes attended a speaker presentation featuring Tim Wierman. Mr. Wierman is a Nationally recognized Speaker who holds a Masters Degree in Nutrition Education and is a member of the American Dietetic Association. He has presented to thousands of athletes, coaches, parents and sports medicine professionals at more than 270 colleges, high schools, clubs, and professional conferences, to discuss proper diet and nutrition. 

While the presentation at St. Lawrence University was well attended, Mr. Wierman focused on various topics such as pre game/ post game meals, proper hydration and importance of a proper diet. " It was a unique experience as it was a really good reminder of simple and effective techniques to remind the athletes about nutrition", Elisa VanKirk- Head Women's Softball Coach. The following morning Tim held 3 general workshops specifically for endurance athletes, power athletes and sports involving both.

In early September, The Student-Athlete Development Program coordinated with academic support services in holding a time management seminar for first year student-athletes. The seminar had been designed to enhance study skills and provide useful tips while balancing student-athletes' pursuit of academic excellence with their commitment to athletics. While the seminar was well attended, Dr. Evelyn Jennings, along with Matt McCluskey and Janet Torres, presented on various aspects of successful useful study tips.

After a 20 minute presentation the student-athletes interacted amongst each other and the coaches, while walking through a time management exercise. "While the adjustment from high school to college can at times be challenging, we have been fortunate enough to build a strong relationship and collaborate with academic support services in order to provide useful resources for our student-athletes."- Franco Bari- Coordinator of Student-Athlete Development/ Head Women's Soccer coach.

On February 4th, 2011 The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee recognized National Girls and Women in Sports Day. This year's event celebrated the 40th anniversary of Title IX and gender equity in sports. Here at St. Lawrence University, girls from the surrounding community entered a half time "lose your shoes" free throw contest followed by an invitation to have posters signed by members of the Women's Basketball team following the contest. "This was a very fun event to assist in the organization and to watch the girls participate in the half time event. Not only were they absolutely thrilled to participate, but they were also extremely appreciative to interact with their role models after the game. I am confident that the women's basketball players left an everlasting positive impression". Franco Bari- coordinator of Student-Athlete Development

On November 5, 2011, St. Lawrence University brought back Homecoming Weekend, and the community will have opportunities to meet two special alumni guests: Stanley Cup champion Rich Peverley '04, of the Boston Bruins, and Christian Lopez '10, who caught - and returned - Yankee Derek Jeter's 3,000th hit during the summer. SAAC Members volunteered as organizers, greeters and leaders of the pep rally. "I was one of the Sergie's girls so I got to hand the fatbags to the "eaters." It was a good experience as a first year to see what a college homecoming was like. The atmosphere was fun, the whole Football team came out and sang the alma mater. It was a great experience as a first year, I definitely felt a sense of team spirit." Jess Tyree - Track and Firld Athlete and member of the Student-Athlete Advisory committee.

As the month of October marks breast cancer awareness month, the St. Lawrence University athletic department set aside an entire week to show its support. Students, faculty, staff and supporters dressed in pink and filled the stands at featured athletic events, while many student-athletes wore pink equipment in an effort to raise awareness and funds in the fight against breast cancer. The women's hockey team, which wore pink laces and warm-up t-shirts in the spirit of the event, the Field Hockey, Volleyball and Women's Soccer team had specially made pink jerseys. Coordinator of News Services Macreena Doyle was recognized as a survivor of breast cancer. "I think it was a good event because it recognized a lot of people, got many sports involved, and brought everyone to campus not just athletes" Katelyn Prue - Member of the Volleyball team and Student- Athelete Advosiry Committee

On September 21, 2011, St. Lawrence University student-athletes and coaches received insight into leadership and mental toughness from Spencer Wood. The event, sponsored by the Student-Athlete Development Program enabled the student athletes to learn valuable mental training skills which can be applied to their sport and beyond. "He was very entertaining. His presentation definitely does make you think about some things you can do as an athlete to get yourself ahead and manage your time to make yourself better." Doug Geraghty '12 - Member of the Football Team and Student-Athlete Advisory committee

In the second week of September, members of the office of Academic Support Services including Dr. Robert Thacker met with all first year student-athletes to discuss time management and study skills in order to prepare them as a members of the St. Lawrence athletic and academic community. "They had informed us about putting everything on a calendar and knowing when everything's due. It really prepared us to know what was expected of us as student-athletes." Patrick Raley '14 Men's Ice Hockey player and member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

Dec. 13: The St. Lawrence University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee hosted a Special Olympics event on Saturday, December 10 in conjunction with the track and field team's 2011 Holiday Relays.

The NCAA partnered with the Special Olympics this year in support of raising awareness at the national and institutional levels. Over 20 Special Olympics athletes competed in races on Saturday morning prior to the collegiate event, with a reception held following the competition.

"I am thrilled that we were able to host the Special Olympics today, and want to thank all of the competitors for giving a great effort," said Franco Bari, St. Lawrence Coordinator of Student-Athlete Development. "We had a fantastic turnout from student-athletes on campus who wanted to show their support and I hope the energy in the Newell Field House created a great experience for the athletes."

Please enjoy the video highlighting the event!