According to their website:

The mission of SAAC is to enhance the total student-athlete experience by promoting opportunity, protecting student-athlete welfare and nurturing a positive student-athlete image, while fostering the development of Christian character and supporting the pursuit of team and individual academic achievement.

SAAC AND COMMUNITY 

Not many in the student body know what the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is, nor do they know the amount of work that goes into the mission. Biola’s SAAC is a leadership group for student-athletes that creates a space to meet their needs and desires in their athletic experience. 

SAAC President Luke Franklin, also known as Frank, is a senior history major with a concentration in secondary education. He is on the Men’s Water Polo team and plays center. As president, Franklin is the face for most of their group initiatives, leads monthly meetings, and communicates ideas with upper athletics admin and the SGA president.

“Being a part of SAAC allows me to be a part of something bigger than myself and contribute more to my team and athletic community than just in the pool,” Franklin said.

Franklin describes the overall encouragement and support that is offered at Biola compared to other schools. The community at Biola is something uniquely theirs and cannot be found anywhere else. 

“The relationships and connections I have made are by far the most rewarding aspect of my work with SAAC,” Franklin said. 

Franklin has been involved in SAAC for three out of his four years at Biola, allowing him to gain experience and apply its mission statement in real time. 

Vice President of SAAC, Kyle Osterhage, is a senior business management major and pitcher for Biola Baseball. Osterhage has served in SAAC for two years now in various capacities, such as facilitating baseball team administration needs with the two baseball representatives, Tristan Cazel and Dylan Alanis.

Osterhage expresses his gratitude and appreciation for SAAC, counting it a blessing to be involved in something that is working toward the betterment of these players and the community. 

“This community of athletes and non-athletes alike really cultivates a culture of not only love for one another on the field, but off the field as well,” Osterhage said.

FRIENDSHIP AND COMMUNITY

The friendship between Franklin and Osterhage has blossomed throughout the years.

“We aren’t afraid to tell each other no if an idea does not work, and having that foundation of trust and respect helps us take SAAC to where it wants to go,” Osterhage said.

Having this relationship is crucial to leading and encouraging relationships with others. Understanding that for themselves has allowed them to lead well in their positions and facilitate a positive athlete experience for their fellow teammates.

While they have a chance to further the athlete experience, they also encourage us to reach beyond and into the community around them. 

“We also take part in giving back to the community with community service and helping out professors and staff with ‘For the kids’ night, giving staff an opportunity to have a night out while SAAC takes care of their kids for a few hours to give back to them,” Osterhage said.

Initiating community engagement and offering a space for others to get involved is important. It not only promotes their athletics efforts but shows others this is something worth investing in. 

“SAAC should be talked about so that we can ensure that student-athletes are not only recognized for their athletic abilities but also their contributions to the greater good of the community and campus,” Osterhage said.

While SAAC has the primary responsibility and goal of enhancing the athletic experience at Biola, they also want to get the non-athletic community involved and engaged.

“I think people should invest in SAAC because it is a breeding ground for great new leaders who are doing more than asked of them to make the athletic experience the best it possibly can be here at Biola,” Franklin said.

Their mission is unfolding into many great possibilities for the athletic community at Biola and non-athletes alike.