The two-time reigning SAAC Challenge Award winner, Fontbonne University is off to another strong start in looking to defend their title for the 2023-24 academic year. Fontbonne student-athletes totaled 8070 points this fall with the cross country/track and field programs leading the way. Griffin student-athletes partcipated in various events such as campus move-in day, Colon Cancer Walk, and Pedal For A Cause while also holding drives and fundraisers like Diaper Bank, Dig Pink Match, and a Chili Cookoff.
Westminster College sits in second place with 4700 points. The Blue Jays were involved with several community events such as trash pick-up, parade planning, and helping at a local refuge health clinic. They also hosted events such as Spooky Sidewalks and a Candy Walk (for Halloween), a feminine prodcut drive, and the Hall of Fame banquet.
Coming in third place after the fall tally is Spalding University with 2470 points; already surpassing last year's yearly total. Spalding picked up the majority of their point total from a fundraising bake sale held on campus. The Golden Eagles golf program also spent time cleaning up a local course while the women's soccer team volunteered at a local soccer association.
Webster University is currently in fourth with 985.75 points. The Gorloks men's soccer team led all programs with 500 points during the fall, working with Spensa (Special Needs Soccer Association) as well as helping at the school's annual Dig Pink fundraiser put on by the Gorlok volleyball program.
The SLIAC SAAC Challenge Award recognizes the institution that went above and beyond in giving back to its community. The challenge tracks activities such as community service projects, collections (food and clothing), and donations. The full criteria are listed below:
10 pts/ service hour per student-athlete
5 pts/item donation (clothes, shoes, toys, games, equipment)
1 pt/ $1.00
1 pt/ per 2 cans
The SLIAC SAAC is a committee of student-athletes that serves as a communication link between the conference member student-athletes and the athletics administration of the SLIAC member institutions. SAAC members are expected to represent the viewpoints of student-athletes on their respective campuses and to serve as a vital communication link between the Conference and its student-athletes.
SAAC members also look to enhance the image of student-athletes both on campus and in the community through engaging in campus and community service projects and serving as positive role models for their peers and younger athletes. The committee also serves as a voice for issues that involve rules, regulations, and policies that affect student-athletes.