Tuesday, July 18, 2017

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. Click here for more information on the function of SAAC at the NCAA level.

Name: Jacob Marshall
Sport: Cross Country/Track & Field
School: Montana State Billings
Year: Senior
Major: History Education
Hometown: Seward, Alaska

Extracurricular Activities: Frisbee golf, fishing, hunting, hiking, climbing, pretty much anything outdoors.

Why Did You Choose To Attend Montana State Billings: It was close to family and family friends. And my coach gave me an opportunity to run at the collegiate level.

What Is Your Favorite Class You Have Taken In College And Why: Montana History. This class was really interesting because how I was learning about another state's history other than my home state. Montana has such a rich history. From the prehistoric times to modern times, Montana has been on the forefront of many issues past and present.

Who Is Your Favorite Professor You've Had In College And What Did You Enjoy About Learning From Him Or Her: Dr. Keith Edgerton. He brings history alive for his students. His class is very engaging and he works with his students so they can succeed. He cares for his students and wants them to succeed not only in the classroom but also in life. He knows we are the future and he wants to help guide us in our journey.

Years involved in SAAC: 2

The Reason You Chose To Get Involved In SAAC: I was always curious about SAAC then one day my coach mentioned something about it. I decided that I wanted to check it out. I wanted to be a voice and wanted to understand how certain rules are made and how SAAC just works.

Most Memorable SAAC Activity: Two years ago, some members of our SAAC committee went and cleaned the Rimrocks on the north side of Billings. Just was awesome to help clean up such a historic part of Billings.

What Is The Most Important Thing You've Learned From Balancing The Demands Of Athletics And Academics: Don't delay assignments until the last minute. Take your time with it. The due date will jump out at you quicker than you think.

What Does It Mean To Be A Division II Student-Athlete: To me it's a balance. You have to take time to both focus on your academics and your sport. I think Division II really focuses on the student athlete part of things. We are students first and we are at our university to get our degrees and become the future. We also get the opportunity to continue the sport we love at the collegiate level. Being a Division II athlete teaches you the balance of life and how to become not only better in your sport but also better in your studies.

Current Mentors: Max Ingalls, Dave Coppock, Jason Bickling, Dan Marshall

Future Goals After School: I am hoping to find a history teacher job. I am also considering entering the law enforcement academy and maybe trying to become a National Park Service law enforcement officer.

Biggest Obstacle Overcome During Collegiate Career: Becoming my own person with my own identity.

Best Advice You Would Give To An Incoming Freshman: Have fun but remember why you are at college...for your degree. Freshman year might be tough mentally, emotionally and physically. Stick with it. College is about finding who you are as a person.

If You Could Spend The Day With One Person (Past Or Present), Who Would It Be (And Why): Abraham Lincoln. He was a remarkable leader in one America's most trying times. He led through a war and wasn't afraid to take action. His leadership was exceptional.

Favorite Sports Team: Montana State University Billings Yellowjackets

Favorite Athlete: Ryan Hall (former professional runner)

Most Memorable Sports-Related Moment: When American Meb Keflezighi won the Boston Marathon one year after the Boston bombings.

One Thing That People Don't Know About Me Is: My family has llamas as pets.