A member of the soccer and baseball teams at Keuka College, Nate Studgeon has made an impact on the field.

As a member of the NCAA Division III Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC), he has also made an impact off the field.

SAACS (there are one for Division I and II as well) are made up of student-athletes who:
•   generate a student-athlete voice within the NCAA structure;
•   solicit student-athlete responses 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 athletic programs and the NCAA; and
•   promote a positive student-athlete image.

The input of the respective Divisions I, II and III SAACS is sought by a variety of constituencies within the NCAA. 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.

The 24-member Division III SAAC meets four times a year (the next is scheduled for November in Indianapolis), with the focus on rules, regulations and policies that affect student-athletes.

“Sometimes, we also talk about medical issues, such as how many defibrillators we should have at each game,” said Studgeon, a junior social work major from Conklin.

Studgeon represents Keuka College and the North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC).

“I am privileged to be a part of SAAC, especially because I was elected by people from around the nation,” said Studgeon.

It’s easy to see why Studgeon was elected; he is the consummate student-athlete.

He has been selected to the National Dean’s List twice, National Honor Society in 2006, and was nominated to serve as a collegiate scholar in the 2007 International Scholar Laureate Program.  

In addition to playing two sports, Studgeon takes part of the Big Brother Big Sister program and has served as a mentor for two years.

Studgeon is a member of the Presidential Leadership Circle, BAKU, National Association of Student Social Workers, Ski Club and the Criminal Justice Club.  

During the aftermath of the devastating floods in the Southern Tier of New York state in 2006, Studgeon was involved in the relief efforts. He has also worked as a student athletic trainer under Head Athletic Trainer Jeff Bray.

-- Anthony Affissio '08