**For Immediate Release** SAAC at OPSU – A Great Group of Kids - by Scott Puryear of Aggie Sports on 9/20/05 Goodwell, OK - A student athlete advisory committee (SAAC) is a group made up of student athletes assembled to provide insight on the overall student athlete experience. Sanctioned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), SAAC also offers input on the rules, regulations and policies that affect student athletes’ lives on NCAA member institution campuses. Representatives of the Aggie and Lady Aggie athletic teams at Oklahoma Panhandle State University make up an active chapter of SAAC. SAAC operates nationwide and encompasses schools at the NCAA Division I, II, and III levels. OPSU is a member of NCAA Division II. SAAC generates a student athlete voice within the NCAA structure and promotes a positive student athlete image. According to the NCAA, “The mission of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Student Advisory Committee is to enhance the total student-athlete experience by promoting opportunity, protecting student-athlete welfare, and fostering a positive student athlete image.” The SAAC chapter at OPSU also works with the school in several areas, including fund raising for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and recently participated in a fund raising promotion to help with the hurricane disaster. There is a great group of young people representing the different sports at OPSU that make up the SAAC chapter. They demonstrate what student athletes are all about. This year’s officers (and the sports they represent) are Bridgett Mizer - President (Golf), Jacqueline Cornish - Vice President (Cross Country), Taneisha Rogers - Secretary (Cross Country), and Pam Moore - Treasurer (Softball). Event Coordinators are Kirbi Twilligear (Volleyball), Josh Setzer (Football), Shane Black (Football), Willie Benson (Football), Daren Miller (Football), and Johnathan Wyatt (Football). Other members are Mercia Aranda (Basketball), Valerie Armstrong (Volleyball), Juan Carson (Basketball), Cathy Daza (Softball), Dillon Pool (Golf), Shilo Leatherman (Golf), Britton Gabriele (Golf), Austin Hawkins (Football), Brock Hixenbaugh (Baseball), Michelle Kennedy (Basketball), Kassidy Mizer (Basketball), David Pierson (Baseball), Laura Wilson (Basketball), Brandon Woods (Basketball), Jose Yarid (Cross Country). Brad Vanden Boogaard is the advisor to the Oklahoma Panhandle State chapter and the members of SAAC are fine examples of today’s young people who will be tomorrow’s leaders. -30-