Brooks Royer, a rising junior infielder from Houston, TX, has been selected by the NCAA to become one of 21 student-athletes from around the country to serve on the 2008-2009 Division III Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Royer has been the baseball team's representative since his freshman year.
He will attend 2-3 NCAA student-athlete leadership conferences, as well as attend the NCAA convention with Rhodes President Bill Troutt and Athletic Director Mike Clary. Royer will also be a part of several conference calls between the national members.
Rhodes Baseball Coach Jeff Cleanthes had this to about Royer, "Each year we like to nominate a freshmen baseball player to represent our team on the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) and we knew right away that Brooks would be a great choice. His ability to articulate and follow through on all projects made him an easy choice. We are all very proud of Brooks' accomplishment and feel he represents the baseball program in a positive manner." David Hicks, Rhodes' SAAC advisor added, "This is a tremendous honor for Brooks and for Rhodes. Particularly at the Division III level, the national SAAC has a strong voice in determining Division III-wide policy, and CEOs and Athletic Directors alike listen to their voice. Division III is the only division in the NCAA where the National SAAC actually has a vote when it comes to legislative issues, as well as the only division where a national SAAC representative sits on the Management Council. Through his work with the Rhodes SAAC and the national SAAC, Brooks’ will have a lasting impact on Rhodes and Division III.”
The NCAA gives this description of the SAAC:
The input of the respective Divisions I, II and III SAAC's continues to be sought by a variety of constituencies within the Association. Student-athlete committee members have the opportunity to speak with their respective NCAA Management Councils, and the Divisions II and III SAACs continue to speak to legislative issues on the NCAA Convention floor.
National SAACs (Divisions I, II and III) at a glance:
-Generate a student-athlete voice within the NCAA structure.
-Solicit student-athlete response to proposed NCAA legislation.
-Recommend potential NCAA legislation.
-Review, react and comment to the governance structure on legislation, activities and subjects of interest.
-Actively participate in the administrative process of athletics programs and the NCAA.
-Promote a positive student-athlete image.
Division III SAAC Mission Statement
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.