Friday, March 13, 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: Sam Roth
Sport: Men’s Basketball
Institution: Northwest Nazarene University
Year: Junior
Major: Engineering, Chinese Studies
Hometown: Silverton, Oregon

Why Did You Choose To Attend Northwest Nazarene?: I had a chance to play basketball and get a Christian college experience and an education in engineering.

What Is Your Favorite Class You Have Taken And Why?: My favorite class was The American Novel. I have not read too many novels outside of a literature class that I took in high school. I learned that I enjoy reading and that I appreciate important American authors.

Who Is Your Favorite Professor And What Did You Enjoy About Learning From Him Or Her?: My favorite professor is Dr. Joshua Griffin because his classes are fun and structured and I leave class feeling excited and knowledgeable about the content.

Years Involved In SAAC: Two years.

The Reason You Chose To Get Involved In SAAC: I was encouraged by a teammate.

Most Memorable SAAC Activity To Date: A Make-A-Wish fundraiser that we had at a softball game.

How Do You Feel Participating In SAAC Will Help You In Life After You Graduate?: I think participating in SAAC is helpful because I learn about how to make decisions with people who have different backgrounds and viewpoints.

What Does It Mean To You To Be A Division II Student-Athlete?: It means that I have the opportunity to play basketball and get a solid education at the same time.

What Is The Most Important Thing You’ve Learned About Balancing Athletics And Academics?: I need to plan ahead and give a considerable amount of effort if I want to be successful in both areas.

Biggest Obstacle Overcome During Your Collegiate Career: The biggest obstacle I have overcome is being away from home. I don't get to go home very often so I don’t have the support of my family. Being away from home has allowed me to be independent.

Favorite Thing About Being Part Of The GNAC: The chance to travel around the Pacific Northwest and play against good competition.

Most Memorable Sports-Related Moment: Having a 20-win season and making it to the GNAC Championships last year.

If You Could Change One NCAA Rule, It Would Be: I would allow basketball players to have more time on the court in the offseason.

Current Mentor(s): My dad and Paul Rush.

Best Advice You’d Give To An Incoming Freshman: Stop going to bed at 2 a.m.

If You Could Spend The Day With One Person (Past Or Present), Who Would It Be (And Why)?: I would spend a day with Kit Carson or other famous mountain men so I could hear about the kinds of things that they saw.

Extracurricular Activities: Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Future Goals After Graduation: I want to use the things that I have learned in my engineering classes to help people with practical things.

Favorite Sports Team: Sacramento Kings.

Favorite Athlete: Usain Bolt.

One Thing People Don’t Know About You Is: I enjoy fly fishing.