GRAND FORKS, N.D. - Working remotely while looking to make a difference in the campus community and Grand Forks, the University of North Dakota Student-Athlete Advisory Committee will charter new waters while continuing to lend its voice to Fighting Hawks Athletics.

Leading the group of 30 student-athletes into 2020-21 are Matt Russell (XC/Track & Field) and Jocelyn Kirk (Softball), who will serve as President and Vice President, respectively. Rounding out the executive team is Bentiu Panoam (Men's Basketball), who will act in SAAC's Outreach role to communicate its message.

"This year gives us some unforeseen challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic. With these challenges, SAAC will focus on student-athlete health and wellbeing," said Russell. "We have a great executive team and great team representatives that are ready to adapt to these uncertain times."  

Russell and Kirk are extending their leadership roles this year as well, serving on  The Summit League SAAC Committee while also sitting on UND's Intercollegiate Athletic Committee (IAC) board.

The group will again lend its voice to the athletic department with two representatives from each team, assisting the department in addressing UND student-athletes' needs and concerns and with NCAA policies and procedures. SAAC is also active in the community and will once again continue to serve the Grand Forks community.

Last year, SAAC was integral in organizing and executing North Dakota Athletics 5,352 community service hours, leading 12 programs to top-10 finishes among Division I Athletic Departments. UND had the second-most teams in the top-10 behind the University of Michigan's 15.

"We have a committed group of SAAC representatives that utilize their voices to advocate on behalf of the student-athlete population," said Director of Student-Athlete Development Tyler Burmeister. "Despite the challenges that the current pandemic has created, this leadership group is determined to make a difference for our athletic department, our campus, and our community."

Regardless of the uncertainties that may lie ahead, the SAAC group at the University of North Dakota will continue to be a prominent force on campus. It will lend its voice and workforce to enact change while continuing to make their fans and supporters proud of their accomplishments on and off the field.

2020-21 SAAC EXECUTIVE BOARD
Matt Russell, President
Jocelyn Kirk, Vice President
Bentiu Panoam, Outreach

REPRESENTATIVES
Jake Rastas (FB)
Mikey Griebel (FB)
Brady Danielson (MBB)
Bentiu Panoam (MBB)
Allie Ochotorena (WTN)
Elizabeth Ihrke (WTN)
Petro Alex (MTN)
Edmond Aynedjian (MTN)
Ashley Ebeling (SOC)
Megan Schumacher (SOC)
Jocelyn Kirk (SB)
Ashlynn Uvilla (SB)
Julia Fleecs (WBB)
Claire Orth (WBB)
Jacob Henne (MXC)
Matt Russell (MXC)
Bryce Bye (MGO)
Cole Johnson (MGO)
Ashlyn Guggisberg (WGO)
Abby Schramel (WGO)
Kendra Franck (WXC)
McKenzie Burian (WXC)
Elaina Swartz (WTR)
Kelsey Dolejs (WTR)
Lydia Rutten (VB)
Madi Hart (VB)
Matt Kiersted (MIH)
Ethan Frisch (MIH)
Austin Wolf (MTR)
Garrett Shumski (MTR)