Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Mercy College Athletics Announces 2008-09 SAAC Appointments

DOBBS FERRY, NY -  The Mercy College Department of Athletics announced the selection of its Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) officers and team representatives for the 2008-09 academic year.

Junior Samantha DeVore (Norwich, CT), a forward on the women's basketball team was elected President. DeVore is a health science major who has been an integral part of the program, playing in 50 games over the last two seasons. She was one of the league's top freshmen in 2006-07, earning two East Coast Conference (ECC) Rookie of the Week honors.

Marc Dern (Valley Stream, NY), a junior catcher on the baseball team, was elected Vice-President. He is also a health science major and has appeared in 74 games during his career, starting 60.  Dern ranked among the team leaders in hits last year with 30 and has collected nine doubles in two seasons.

Sophomore Catherine Kowalski (Melville, NY), a short stop with the softball squad, was elected Secretary. She is a psychology major who stepped right in as a freshman last year to start all 39 of the squad's games. Kowalski was an offensive threat, tying for the team lead with three home runs while driving in 10 runs and posting a .349 on base percentage. She was also solid on defense with a .945 fielding percentage.

The Mercy College SAAC is assembled to provide insight on the student-athlete experience. The SAAC also offers input on the rules, regulations and polices that affect student-athletes' lives on NCAA member institution campuses. In its first meeting of the year, members discussed a number of initiatives aimed at inter-team relationships, sport-specific clinics for area elementary and middle school youth and several health awareness campaigns including a fundraising walk. The group has also redoubled its commitment to support the national Division II Make A Wish project.

"We have assembled an impressive group of student leaders who know how to get things done," said SAAC advisor Dr. Darryl Bullock. "I look forward to working with them in support of their aspirations for SAAC during the 2008-2009 academic year."

A complete listing of the 2008-09 Mercy College SAAC officers and team representatives follows below.

2008-09 SAAC Executive Council
President - Samantha DeVore (Women's Basketball)
Vice-President - Marc Dern (Baseball)
Secretary - Catherine Kowalski (Softball) 

2008-09 SAAC Team Representatives
Ken Mundy (Baseball)
Jimmy Gunville (Men's Basketball)
Michael Marin (Men's Basketball)
Ashley Finnegan (Women's Basketball)
Kevin Gibson (Men's Cross-country)
Peter Yarema (Men's Cross-country)
Katelyn Klobus (Women's Cross-country)
Raldino Powell (Men's Soccer)
Benjamin Latchford (Men's Soccer)
Jessica Fabian (Women's Soccer)
Casey Kondelka (Women's Soccer)
Kristina Lacik (Softball)
TBA (Men's Tennis)
Tyrik Overton (Men's Track & Field)
Joon Yeob Lee (Men's Track & Field)
Trevene Smith (Women's Volleyball)
Janet Wong (Women's Track & Field)
Shatanna Miller (Women's Track & Field)
Sasha Atkins (Women's Volleyball) 

About Mercy College
Mercy College is a private, nonprofit institution founded in 1950, providing motivated students with the opportunity to earn degrees in over 90 undergraduate and graduate programs, including 25 programs online. An engaging and personalized learning experience is offered at campuses in the Bronx, Dobbs Ferry, Manhattan, Yorktown Heights, White Plains, and Online.