Horizon League Student-Athlete Advisory Committee members

INDIANAPOLIS– Horizon League student-athletes once again demonstrated their commitment to community service as members from the League’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) volunteered their time with children from Forest Manor Multi-Service Center.

Forest Manor is a community-based social service organization located on the near eastside of Indianapolis where 162 children ranging from 4-17 years of age are attending a youth day camp.

Thirteen Horizon League Student-Athletes, SAAC advisors Chris Grant (Wright State) and Sylvia Furner (UIC), and several league office staff members participated in this year’s outing, where the student-athletes had the opportunity to serve as role models to the local youth.

“We needed every volunteer that came through that door,” said Tangela Gaines, Youth Coordinator for Forest Manor. “We really appreciate the athletes coming in today and giving our kids a lot of the extra physical activity.”

The afternoon was filled with learning and companionship as one group of kids and student-athletes headed to the library to do some reading, while another group participated in kick ball games and relay races outside.

They finished up a great afternoon sharing ice cream sandwiches with the children.

“I love hanging out with kids and helping out whenever I can with them,” said Alex Hallam, a junior on the Green Bay men’s swimming team. “It makes me feel great to know that our youth is still looking up to us college athletes as role models.”

Nine Horizon League institutions were represented by at least one student-athlete at the annual SAAC meeting. The student-athletes were chosen by the institution’s SAAC administrator.

“Our student-athletes have always expressed that the community service is one of the highlights of their trip to Indianapolis,” said Horizon League Associate Commissioner for Compliance and Legal AffairsStephanie Jarvis. “In addition to the service project, the annual SAAC meeting is a great opportunity for our student-athletes to network and discuss issues that they face in college athletics.”

Other breakout sessions that the student-athletes participated in included financial advice, resume building and interview preparation, networking, and personal branding.  They were also provided the opportunity to give feedback to the Horizon League on a wide range of issues. 

Horizon League Student-Athletes that attended the 2010 SAAC meeting included: Erin Jackson (Butler/Softball), Jessica McCloy (Cleveland State/Soccer), Kelly Zaleski (Cleveland State/Cross Country), Mike Chiandussi (Detroit/Soccer), Kristie Ferrans (Detroit/Cross Country and Track), Ben Averkamp (Loyola/Basketball), Natalie Pounovich (Loyola/Volleyball), Alex Hallam (Green Bay/Swimming & Diving), Ellyn Hansen (Green Bay/Golf), Moriba Diallo (UIC/Soccer),  Ryan Ruppel (Valparaiso/Track & Field), Cassandra Lloyd (Wright State/Track & Field), Macey Nortey (Youngstown State/Basketball).

Other Horizon League SAAC members unable to attend the meeting included: Matthew Lawder (Butler/Cross Country and Track), Nate Kirk (UIC/Tennis), Lonnie Boga (Milwaukee/Basketball), Danielle Wenger (Milwaukee/Swimming & Diving), Alex Lagesse (Valparaiso/Softball), Maria Bennett (Wright State/Basketball).