RADNOR, PA – What does it mean to be a model student-athlete? For Cardinal O’Hara senior, Mary Sheehan, it means demonstrating positive leadership skills not only on the playing fields, but also in the classroom and surrounding community.
“It means setting an example in everything you do that your classmates and teammates can follow,” said Sheehan, who plays on O’Hara’s varsity basketball team. “The decisions you make and the character you display in your everyday life, even when no one is watching, are what forms a model student-athlete.”
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Sheehan is an inaugural member of the Philadelphia Archdiocese Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
Stephen Haug, the executive director of athletics for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and committee organizer, stressed the importance of creating a SAAC as a way for high school athletes to have a say in the policies and changes happening throughout the league.
“We hear from the adults and coaches all the time, but I think it’s important that the students who experience everything from practice to games to academic rigors, voice their opinions on how to improve the student-athlete experience,” said Haug.
SAAC Student Interviews
The 25 students selected to serve on the SAAC met at Archbishop Carroll High School on November 3rd for the committee’s first meeting. Topics discussed included sportsmanship, PIAA policies, the college process, officiating as well as learning to serve as a voice for all student athletes at their respective schools.
“It's a special honor to be selected to serve on SAAC,” said Brian Griffin, a senior on St. Joseph’s Prep basketball team. “I am glad that there is a place for student athletes to voice their opinions on how to improve their respective athletic programs.”
Guest speakers included Brooke Hagan, SAAC member from Cabrini University’s swim team, Ms. Allison Venella, Director of Student-Athlete Development at Villanova University, John Hinchen, SAAC member from Villanova University’s football team, Mr. James Casey, President of Lansdale Catholic High School and Fr. Matthew Guckin, Director of Catholic Mission & Identity, Catechetical Formation.
“I think the best thing these students can take away from this opportunity is leadership experience. They will have to learn to organize a drive and relay a message to get their fellow teammates involved, so that they can best serve the community,” said Hinchen.
The student athlete advisory committee is scheduled to meet again this Spring.
Members of the 2016 Archdiocese of Philadelphia SAAC include: Archbishop Carroll: John Bushner, Bella Sorrentino Archbishop Ryan: Pat Jurgelewicz, Riley Kerr Archbishop Wood: Andrew Funk, Erin Welsh Bishop McDevitt: Max Bryson, Suzanna Cantwell Bishop Shanahan: Abigail Bailey, Jacob Colby Bonner & Prendie: Nyah Garrison, PJ Tecco Cardinal O’Hara: Myles Henderson, Mary Sheehan Conwell-Egan: Alyssa Adams, Brandon Cohen Father Judge: Sean Patrick Evans, Adam Nork John W. Hallahan: Sara Cavalcante, Julia Kuneck Lansdale Catholic: Nate Ensanian, Lindsay Rock La Salle College HS: Isaiah Jones, Alex Sislo Little Flower: Gerri Passalacqua, Colleen Trahey Neumann-Goretti: Matt Andrilla, Angel Ricks Pope John Paul II: J.T. Spina, Jackie Lerro Roman Catholic: Leroy Brown, Seth Stangler St. Hubert’s: Grace Brighter, Amber Linder St. Joseph’s Prep: Miles Green, Brian Griffin and West Catholic: Rovny Da’Silva, Bemenet Dirma.