The Students Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) is like most of the other clubs on campus but the only difference is that it is only open to athletes who are willing to have their voices heard and to promote change on campus.

SAAC secretary Josh Bennett explained that members of the club must be willing to be leaders on campus. 

“We are a group of students who aren’t afraid to speak our minds about what we want changed or to keep happening,” Bennett said.  

Members of the SAAC are one of the driving forces involved in the Red Watch Band at UC. The SAAC encourages athletes to bring up the problems they face on campus to help address them. 

Being a part of SAAC has also allowed Bennett to try and make a real difference outside of Utica College.

“I had the opportunity to meet other members of the Empire 8’s conference SAAC groups at a meeting this past February,” Bennett said.

SAAC President Lauren MacDonald said that the club was created for unity and support. 

“We want athletes to have a voice on campus other than just on the field, court, track or pool,” MacDonald said. “This club unites the sports teams and is a way for all of us to show support for each other.” 

Aside from voicing concerns about the campus during their meetings, the group also organizes events, give volunteer opportunities and occasionally have guest speakers. The SAAC has been a part of many events on campus such as the Sexual Assault Awareness Walk, the Fight Against Childhood Cancer Walk, the Breast Cancer Awareness t-shirt sales, Diversity and Inclusion Walks and meetings.  

Providing game updates and talking about upcoming games is something they all enjoy doing as well.

“We do this thing called Buddy Teams so a fall and spring season team will be paired up and they get two games that they have to show up to, just to show support for other teams,” MacDonald said.  

MacDonald also stated that while any student athlete on campus can join the club, becoming a representative for a team takes a lot more than just being in the club. Student athletes have to attend all the meetings and participate in the events the group organizes. 

“Our club is solely based off the students participation and efforts into our meetings and events,” MacDonald said. “We do a lot of community outreach and a lot of the money that we raise ends up being donated to places in the community.”