Friday, February 14, 2020
Part of a regular series.
Throughout the year, GNACsports.com uses this space to profile conference student-athletes who are members of their respective institutions’ Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). In addition to providing feedback on the student-athlete experience, conference and institutional SAAC members also offer input on the rules, regulations and policies that affect student-athletes’ lives on NCAA member institution campuses.
Name: Canon Racanelli
Sport: Football
Institution: Central Washington University
Year: Sophomore
Major: Construction Management
Hometown: Brush Prairie, Washington
Why Did You Choose To Attend Central Washington?: I chose to attend Central Washington because of the atmosphere and I like that my family is not too far away so they are able to watch my games.
What Is Your Favorite Class You Have Taken And Why?: My favorite class was University 101 because I had a lot of student-athletes in the class with me, which made it enjoyable.
Who Is Your Favorite Professor And What Did You Enjoy About Learning From Him Or Her?: My favorite professor is Mal Stewman. Having a good relationship with your professors is important. Being able to ask for help, whether I need it or not, is a very valuable asset.
Years Involved In SAAC: One year.
The Reason You Chose To Get Involved In SAAC: I chose to get involved with SAAC because I enjoy learning new leadership skills and making connections outside of football. It is also important for me to know what is going on with the NCAA and its rule changes.
Most Memorable SAAC Activity To Date: Definitely the SAAC lip sync contest between all of the teams. It was fun to see what the teams came up with and how they competed in something outside of their respective sports.
How Do You Feel Participating In SAAC Will Help You In Life After You Graduate?: I think participation in SAAC will help me to diversify my relationships with people and learn new things that I will carry with me throughout life.
What Does It Mean To You To Be A Division II Student-Athlete?: It means that I have a true love for the sport that I play. Most of us don’t have full-rides and we are working just as hard every day with less money, resources and facilities. This is what I love to do. So no matter what the circumstances are, I show up day in and day out for the love of the game.
What Is The Most Important Thing You’ve Learned About Balancing Athletics And Academics?: The biggest thing I have learned is to give 100 percent to both. You have to learn how to manage your time. If you are giving your all in academics then it will carry over into athletics. Another thing I learned is to get enough sleep. When you aren’t sleeping enough, your body isn’t mentally or physically ready to go full throttle.
Biggest Obstacle Overcome During Your Collegiate Career: My biggest obstacle was starting in the first six games of the season and then getting benched. I could’ve transferred to a different school but I chose to stay with the family that I have built here. Now, I plan to switch positions and see what God has planned for me.
Favorite Thing About Competing In The GNAC: Winning GNAC Championships.
Most Memorable Sports-Related Moment: Winning the Washington 2A state championship in 2017.
Current Mentor(s): My grandpa.
Best Advice You’d Give To An Incoming Freshman: Don’t be late to anything.
Extracurricular Activities: Hiking, hunting, fishing, skiing, cooking and being with my family.
Future Goals After Graduation: I plan to earn my degree in construction management, get a job in that field and have a family.
Favorite Sports Team: New England Patriots.
Favorite Athlete: Tom Brady.
One Thing People Don’t Know About Me Is: I love to cook.