Be proud, be loud, be positive

“Be proud, be loud, be positive.” The slogan for the Student-Athlete Advisory committee (SAAC) sums up its dedication to making stronger ties between the Norse athletes and the community through outreach and community centered activities.

According to the SAAC Web site, “The mission of the NCAA Division III Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is to enhance the total student-athlete experience by promoting opportunity for all student-athletes; protecting student-athlete welfare; and fostering a positive student-athlete image, while maintaining the tenants of the Division III philosophy.”

Over the years, SAAC has accomplished many goals on campus, such as extending cafeteria hours and increasing open hours in the athletic facilities. This year they have other plans.

“We are working on a community project for a new pool,” SAAC member Jordan Grimm (‘11) said. Last year they were also involved in the construction of the new track.

Recently, SAAC has partnered with Luther Athletes Service Organization (LASO) to broaden their outreach aspect to become more involved with the community.

“It’s not just us being involved in the community but the community being involved in our activities is important,” Grimm said.

A large component for SAAC and LASO’s program this year is a project entitled, “Norse Force”.

“We are trying to get more involvement between all teams,” Grimm said. “For people attending tennis matches, football games, etc, we are creating a point system that athletes can be awarded for going to other events, so in the end they get a cash prize from SAAC for their team.”

While the Norse spirit is important to SAAC, they also want to be appreciated in the Decorah community. SAAC is working in projects like, “Take a Kid to the Game,” volunteering at the elderly home in town and doing lawn work for local people. They hope to incorporate a project is to help set up sports teams for children in Postville in the future.

“Right now we are working with the superintendent of Postville,” Grimm said. “There are a lot of kids, and they are trying to start a football team and some other teams, but there is a lack of leadership, like a coach.”

Luther College’s SAAC is dedicated to bringing a positive spirit to each athletic event.

“I think that people look at athletes, and they kind of have a stigma, but we are doing a lot of things to change that,” Grimm said.

Through community service, Norse athletes are working to change the image of athetes and the spirit of service in the community for the better.