Friday, July 8, 2016

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: Ivan Colmenero
Sport: Cross Country/Track and Field
School: Montana State Billings
Year: Sophomore
Major: Spanish Education
Hometown: Belgrade, Mont.

Extracurricular activities: Diversity Center

Why did you choose to attend Montana State Billings?: I chose MSUB because of my major and for cross country and track.

What is your favorite class you have taken in college and why?: American history because the professor was very good at explaining things.

Who is your favorite professor you've had in college and what did you enjoy about learning from him or her?: Professor Joseph Bryant. He is very good at explaining things and is always there to help you.

Years involved in SAAC: One. 

The reason I chose to get involved in SAAC: I want to be more involved with all the other sports in our university.

If I could change one NCAA rule, it would be: The ACT and SAT scores should not judge the amateurism of a student-athlete. There are bad test takers and some of them have outstanding grades.

What is the most important thing you've learned from balancing the demands of athletics and academics?: How to manage time better and being responsible of my grades to stay eligible.

What does it mean to be a Division II student-athlete?: It is a blessing to be a part of a Division II institution. I have made great friends on my team and from other teams here at my own campus and other schools.

Current mentor(s): Teammate Robert Peterson.

Future goals after school: To get a job and keep running. I want to coach cross country and track as well.

Biggest obstacle overcame during collegiate career: Getting over an injury during cross country.

Best advice I’d give to an incoming freshman: Go to class and know how to balance sports, school and socializing.

If I could spend the day with one person (past or present), who would it be (and why)?: My grandpa because he always had the best advice.

Favorite sports team: Miami Heat

Favorite athlete: Dwayne Wade

Most memorable sports-related moment: Getting a Coaches' Award for track.

One thing that people don't know about me is: I named my first chihuahua Venus!