Troy University Athletics
SAAC committee minutes
STUDENT ATHLETE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
August 29, 2007
The Student Athletic Advisory Committee meeting was called to order by President Brett Pierce on August 29, 2007 at 7 p.m.
Matt Mayotte welcomed student athletes back to another year of SAAC.
Athletic Director, Steve Dennis
* Addressed the student athletes about the success of the Troy athletic teams and expressed his outlook for the future of Troy Athletics
Guest Speaker, Monique Jackson (Track and Field)
* Shared her experience from the NCAA leadership conference that she attended this summer in Orlando, Fla.
*She explained the various activities she was involved in at the conference that helped to build her leadership and team-working abilities. She also discussed what skills she thinks it takes to become a strong leader
President Brett Pierce (Baseball) discussed upcoming projects for the next year
*Team Wish List
* Each athletic team will come up with a list of items that they need or want (Ex. Gatorade machine in locker room) and the commmittee would see if they can make it possible
*Caridinal T-Games
* Each athletic team will choose one of their home games to have all the other teams come, wearing all cardinal, to show their support
*Going into schools:
* Trying to get atletes to go into the schools and read to them, talk to them, and get involved with after school programs
*Read Across America
*In March, the student athletes will go into the middle school and read to the kids
*Can Food Drive
*Every fall, the Troy Athletic teams participate in a food drive to help fill the Pike County food bank and we will continue the tradition this year
* It was then presented that we have sub-committees to head each of these projects, which was then all agreed upon by the committee
*Matt Mayottee then recognized the existing members of SAAC and introduced the new members
*The motion was made by Brett Pierce to have polo shirts made for the committee, this was agreed upon by the committee
* Annoncements made: Next meeting on September 12, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. and Teams need to decide which games would be great for other teams to go and watch in their cardinal.
* The meeting was closed by Brettt Pierce at 7:30 p.m.
March 16, 2007
The Student Athletic Advisory meeting was called to order on April 16, 2007 at 6.30 p.m.
Election of next year’s officers:
? President elect Brett Pierce
? Vice President elect Ryan Schmeling
? Secretary elect Caiti Norton
Student Athletic Convocation will be Monday April 30, 2007:
? Dress business casual
The SAAC committee raised over $800.00 from the Katrina Bracelets
Mr. Mayotte thanked the council for showing up to the meeting and for participating in SAAC this year.
? He mentioned that we will meet in September sometime to follow up
? He will keep us informed about the exact dates.
Closing Remarks:
? Keep Virginia Tech in your prayers
March 12, 2007
The Student Athletic Advisory Council meeting was called to order March 12, 2007 at 6:35 p.m. by Brett Pierce (Baseball)
Remarks from Jessica Lyle and Brooke Powell
? Jessica and Brooke explained how Tara got injured and what she injured. She broke her C1- C5-C6 in her neck.
? Tara has been in Baltimore working with specialist trying to discover muscles in triceps, biceps, quads, and forearms.
? They also explained that she is doing well and making the best of her situation.
? Tara wrote a journal to inform us of how she’s doing. They passed it around for the committee to read.
SAAC for approval of “Tara Blackwell Courage Award”
? Unique award in that student-athletes only nominate their peers for this award
? Nominations must be accompanied by a 250 word essay detailing why the SA should be selected.
? Applications will be due February 28th of every calendar year.
? The SAAC will evaluate nominees and be responsible for final selection
? It will be presented at the student athletic convocation
? Everyone on the committee was in favor of the award.
Guest Speaker Dean Reeves ? Senior Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
? Herb Reeves stated that safety and security is the new focus at Troy especially on campus.
? They will be installing security cameras across campus
? Blue light phone stations will be added at the beginning of this summer
? Troy and two other universities received a grant from Homeland security to help in promoting safety on campus.
To insure safety and security
? S.G.A senators will be doing night walks around campus to see where lighting is needed to help with safety and security
? They will also be offering RAD classes for women to teach some self defense methods in case of an attack.
Trojan Center
? The new bookstore should be opening in June
? The Trojan center will be under renovation: two new food venues will be added, additional sitting, and a retail area. This will begin in May and should be finished by August 1, 2007
Eldrige Hall
? This building (the old training room) will be turned into an academic success center.
? All the tutoring programs will be held here.
Ex. Computer works, the learning center Stewart Dinning Hall
? Stewart will be renovated next fall there will also be new meal plan options for the upcoming school year.
Habitat for Humanity Presentation ? Nicole Nicolas & Fred Johnson
? They began by explaining what Habitat for Humanity was. They stated that it’s a non profit organization that builds houses for under privileged families.
? Habitat for Humanity is also an advocate for addressing the problems of poverty in America
? Habitat for Humanity built a house in Brundidge last August
Dates to remember April 16-21:
? Monday- Pedal for Poverty (3 million people live on less than a dollar a day)
? Tuesday- Candlelight vigil, “Radio” comes to speak
? Wednesday- Sign a letter to send to Washington to get legislation passed
? Thursday- go to Pike Liberal Arts (School)
? Friday- Will be $15.00 per person or for 3 or more people $10.00
? Saturday- At the Double Branch, the Battle of the Coast, a band will be playing and all proceeds will go to the Habitat for Humanity
Raffles- $5.00 per ticket the drawing will be April 21, 2007 the winner will get to go to the Nextel and Bush cup races.
There will be a meeting in the G.A.B March 22, 2007 if you are interested.
Katrina Relief Bracelets
? April 7th ? Softball 1pm DH vs. FAU ? Volleyball Team
? April 13th- Baseball 6pm vs. ULL ? Football Team
Read Across America- “wrap-up”
? Mr. Mayotte presented a slide show of pictures from Read across America and thanked the students that participated.
Other possible Community Service Activities
Big Brothers/ Big Sisters
? They are now accepting applications for mentors for children ages 5 to 15.
? Applications are available in the SGA office, located in Trojan Center 110
Volunteers for 1 hour conversations with International students
? If you are interested contact Mr. Mayotte
? The track team also collected money for Enterprise relief. About $800.00 has been collected for Kimberly Thomley and her family. A special thanks to the track team.
Upcoming Events: (Remember to tell your teammates)
? March 27th at 2pm- International student tax help- Room 342 stadium Towers
? April 5th- Women Athletes presentation- “ Eating Disorders, Poor Body Image and Self- Esteem” at 7pm in the Rane Auditorium ( mandatory for female SA’s)
? April 17th at 10am- Claudia Crosby Theatre- “ Radio” character Coach Jones presentation as part of Helen Keller celebration
? Student- Athlete Convocation- April 30th at 2 p.m.
? Last meeting of the year- April 16th at 6:30 p.m.
Remember...
Disseminate important info to teammates and friends. Request time at practice to keep your teams updated and informed.
Next meeting on April 16, 2007 at 6:30pm. This will be our last meeting.
February 12, 2007
The Student Athletic Advisory Council meeting was called to order February 12, 2007 at 6:35 pm by Brett Pierce (Baseball)
A list was past around to verify the correct email address and any additional information.
Read Across America, March 2 @ CHMS (Charles Henderson Middle School)
Time Slots
? There will be groups of 4-5 people.
? You will need to wear your team shirt.
? When you get there make sure you sign in at the front office so they identify who you are.
? Contact Jennifer Mayotte ( Matt Mayotte’s wife)
Which teams can come?
? Brett or Matt will e-mail the representatives from each team more information about Read Across America.
? The time slots are in 50 minute intervals ( You will not receive an excusal so plan accordingly).
? Make sure representatives from each team are in correspondence with your team to make sure that everyone knows what’s going on.
? Send Matt Mayotte or Brett an email with the list of names of the people that will be participating in Read Across America.
SAAC Newsletter
? The Newsletter is mainly going to be about what SAAC is and what activities SAAC will be doing.
? Matt Mayotte mentioned that the newsletter will spread more information about the athletic department ( highest team GPA’s, Stats, Recognition).
? After that the floor was opened to any suggestions regarding the newsletter.
Cardinal- Tee Game.
? The purpose of the Cardinal Tee game is for student athletes to come together and show support for fellow athletes.
? Caiti Norton (women’s soccer) made a suggestion that everyone can wear the same color shirts such as cardinal shirts possibly with a sword on the front of it.
Katrina Relief Bracelets.
? We sold 350.00-360.00 dollars in bracelets at the basketball game and Women’s Tennis sold about 270.00 dollars of that. Brett sent a special thanks to the tennis team.
? We will be selling relief bracelets at the Baseball game vs. UL- Lafayette on April 13 and at the Softball game vs. FAU on April 7.
? Let Matt or Brett know what teams are available to sell at each game.
Closing Remarks
? Matt Mayotte stated that the members of the SAAC committee are representatives to the student athlete body. So make sure we keep our teams, fellow athletes, and coaches up to date on what is going on in the committee.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:00pm
Next meeting will be held Monday March 12 at 6:30 pm.
January 24, 2007
The Student Athletic Advisory Committee meeting was called to order January 24, 2007 at 7:00 p.m by Matt Mayotte
Minutes were taken by Monique Johnson
Guest Speaker, Doc Anderson, Program Director / Assistant Professor / Department Chair:
Food Drive Wrap-Up
? Doc stated that food drive went very well, we raised 3100 lbs. of food
? He wants the teams to think about the food drive for next year and how their teams can get together to raise more food.
? The food drive helped out a lot of people. He wants the members of SAAC to thank friends, coaches and teammates and tell them he really appreciates the effort.
Brett Pierce, President elect:
Introduction
Read Across America
? There will be two 50 minute slots, We will read to the kids and answer questions from 8: 00 am until 3:00 pm
? Date will be on March 2, 2007 which is a Friday ( There will not be any University excusals so plan accordingly)
? We will discuss this more in depth at the next meeting on February 12, 2007
? There will be groups of 6 so talk to your teammates and let Matt and/or Brett know the slots you choose.
Katrina Relief Bracelets
? The Tennis team will sell at the Women’s basketball game
? The baseball and soccer team will sell at the Men’s basketball game
Closing Remarks:
? Matt Mayotte mentioned going by to see the SAAC’s website on troytrojans.com.
? The meeting ended at 7:17 pm
? The next meeting is scheduled for February 12, 2007 at 6:30 pm
November 15, 2006
Business
Matt Mayotte called the Student Athletic Advisory Council meeting to order on November 15, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.
Roll was taken and Monique Johnson wrote minutes
Reports:
Speakers
Guest Speaker, Doc Anderson, Program Director for Athletic Training:
Canned Goods Drive
? Third annual food banks are now filled in Pike County for thanksgiving, but after thanksgiving, the food banks will be empty.
? Troy University Athletic Department needs to help promote food drive for Christmas time.
? Get in contact with an Athletic trainer and they will pack up your box and the Troy exchange club will distribute the food to abused children.
? Doc will take the representative from each team to lunch/dinner with the exchange club to get acquainted
? The food drive is a good way to give back to the community
Dr. Steve Dennis, Head Athletics Director:
Troy University Athletics
? ( Introduction) Main goal is the athletes welfare and getting the right amount of education and go on to be successful
? Tonight was a means of getting to know each member of the SAAC committee
? He wants the athletes to have the very best they can have. (Ex. Fundraising)
? He wants the people working in the athletic department to help the student athletes as much as possible
? He then thanked the student athletes for being apart of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee and impacting peoples lives
? Keep teams/ teammates involved
? He mentioned a five year plan which established new positions in the Athletic department including an assistant in the weight room, an assistant soccer coach, a video coordinator and an assistant director of Student-Athlete Services.
? Track/Soccer complex new lighting for the spring semester
? New Baseball facility for the summer of 2007
? In order to accomplish goals of performace we will need to raise money
? He is really big on fundraising for example ticket sales went up 50% in revenue since Mr. Dennis has been at Troy
? He mentioned we out sourced our marketing rights to ISP which gives Troy more opportunity to generate more cash flow
? Trojan warrior Club priority tickets four hundred dollars a seat, Trojan club three hundred dollars a seat five tickets for one hundred dollars at twenty dollars apiece.
? Get good seats, locker, and fourth floor eating before the game? ( good opportunity to sell suites)
? Booster club (Trojan Warrior club) biggest thing will be pins to identify the person.
? Athletic Advisory committee will pick different people in different regions. Ex. Ft. Walton, Troy, Auburn, and the Pan Handle, which will be great networking for Troy and the booster clubs.
? In conclusion, Mr. Dennis stated that he wants the athletes to be patient and persistent and to treat people the right way.
? He also wants student athletes to use the committee, Matt Mayotte, Steve Dennis, and Dr. Tatum to tell any ideas or concerns
? He stated that he wants student athletes to have a good idea about what they want to do
Business
Other Items:
Katrina Relief Bracelets update
? Men’s/Women’s basketball date for distribution is set for conference game in January. No exact date has been made.
Read Across America:
? Let teammates know that this is coming up in the Spring semester
Open Forum (Questions/ Concerns/etc):
? Ryan Smelling (Men’s Track) Suggested parking for athletes for a specific time because it is hard to get to practice on time because of the lack of parking available
? He also mentioned having bike racks at the different sports complexes because you have a number of athletes that ride bikes to practice
? Men’s tennis representative suggested having a parking deck built to help with commuter parking
? The next meeting is scheduled for January 24, 2007 at 7:00 pm.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:49 pm.
October 18, 2006
Business
The Student Athletic Advisory Council meeting was called to order October 18, 2006 at 7:03 p.m by Matt Mayotte.
Roll was passed around and minutes were written by Monique Johnson.
Guest Speaker, Sandy Atkins, Associate Director of Athletics/ Senior Woman Administrator:
Discussed some NCAA rules and regulations and how they become rules.
NCAA Legislation for vote In October the first consideration by the Management council (anybody can bring forth a proposal) April is the second consideration by the Management council In late April the Final decisions by the Board of Directors Rules and Legislation
Amateurism
Recruiting
Eligibility
Playing Season
Laura Lee, President of S.A.A.C (Women's Basketball):
Katrina relief Bracelets: The softball team will work the Volleyball game on November 3, 2006. The Track/ Women's Basketball- Soccer team will work the Football game on October 28, 2006. We have 500 bracelets to sell.
Community Service Projects for the year
Food Drive ( Fall)
Each teams S.A.A.C representative will go back to their teams and relay the information to the team about bringing in canned goods.
Bring a labeled box to the locker rooms or coaches’ office(s) and your athletic trainer will pick them up and turn them in. Foods should be non- perishable or last a long time.
Big Bro/ Big Sis
Anybody interested can join. Mostly males are needed Stop by Matt Mayotte’s office for more information.
Matt Mayotte, Director of Student Athlete Services:
Spoke on taking advantage of our community and community services as student athletes and supporting our sport and University. Ex. talking to kids about academics and sports
Laura Lee:
Next meeting Scheduled for Wednesday November 15, 2006 at 7:00 p.m