The WAC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee held its annual meeting in downtown Denver June 9-11.  The meeting kicked-off Thursday afternoon with a community service project at The Children's Hospital.  Student-athletes participated in various craft projects with the children, including painting t-shirts and designing cards, for several hours.  The official business meeting was held over two days with student-athletes focusing on a review of past year issues and accomplishments as well as planning for the upcoming academic year.

One of the primary goals of the Committee over the past year was to participate in community service events that focused on 'Youth In Play.'  Student-athletes collectively recorded over 5500 community service hours dedicated towards youth in their respective communities, exceeding the goal they set at last year's meeting.  As part of its meeting, the SAAC announced that it will be donating sports equipment to Foster Sports, a non-profit organization in Colorado serving foster, homeless, and displaced youth. 

According to Bryan Marchant, WAC SAAC President, "our emphasis as a WAC SAAC this past year has been to give back to the community and to be a positive influence in the lives of the youth. It's a wonderful opportunity to donate to an organization that focuses on the needs of youth in the community. We feel that we can have an incredible impact in the development and potential of the youth in our communities and helping to provide sports equipment to youth in need is a great way to fulfill our purpose."

"One of the primary goals of WAC SAAC is to actively participate in community wide service projects that specifically encourage youth in sport," said Mollie Lehman, WAC Assistant Commissioner and SAAC Co-Advisor.  "The mission of Foster Sports is all about engaging youth and an organization where the committee felt they could have direct and positive impact."

Community service will continue to be a priority for SAAC members for next year as they unanimously agreed to participate in a minimum of 6500 hours with the theme 'Embracing The Youth.'  The committee also elected officers for the 2011-12 academic year.  Daryll Hill, football student-athlete from the University of Nevada, will serve as SAAC President, with Callie Seidman (Fresno State, lacrosse) as Vice-President and Alexa Anderson (Nevada, track and field) as secretary.