Friday, November 3, 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: Aaron Whitaker
Sport: Track & Field
School: Western Oregon University
Year: Senior
Major: Exercise Science
Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colorado

Why Did You Choose To Attend Western Oregon: I received a track scholarship.

What Is Your Favorite Class You Have Taken In College And Why: My favorite class that I've taken in college is Coaching Youth Sports because the instructor was excellent.

Who Is Your Favorite Professor You've Had In College And What Did You Enjoy About Learning From Him Or Her: My favorite professor is Brandon Claggit (instructor of health & exercise science). I enjoyed learning different coaching styles.

Years involved in SAAC: First year

The Reason I Chose To Get Involved In SAAC: I was contacted and asked to be involved.

If I Could Change One NCAA Rule, It Would Be: To add more years of eligibility.

What Is The Most Important Thing You've Learned From Balancing The Demands Of Athletics And Academics: I've learned that it is always best to get as much work taken care of well in advance.

What Does It Mean To Be A Division II Student-Athlete: It means that we are skilled individuals capable of managing time to accommodate growth in athletics, academics and personal development.

Current Mentor(s): Coach Mike Johnson and my father.

Future Goals After School: To become an officer in the United States Air Force.

Biggest Obstacle Overcome During Collegiate Career: Injury and illness during the track season.

Best Advice I’d Give To An Incoming Freshman: You can always do more than you think.

If I Could Spend The Day With One Person (Past Or Present), Who Would It Be (And Why): I'd spend the day with Wade Van Niekerk because he is the fastest 400-meter sprinter in the world.

Favorite Sports Team: Pittsburgh Steelers

Favorite Athlete: Wade Van Niekerk

Most Memorable Sports-Related Moment: Breaking the school record in the 400 meters and winning the GNAC title.

One Thing That People Don't Know About Me Is: I was born and raised in the military.