Tuesday, May 31, 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: Josh Panasuk
Sport: Cross Country and Track & Field
School: Montana State Billings
Year: Senior
Major: Outdoor Adventure Leadership
Hometown: Butte, Mont.
Extracurricular activities: LEAD Program.
Why did you choose to attend MSUB? I chose my school to have more one on one learning and for my chosen sport.
What is your favorite class you have taken in college and why? I am currently taking classes geared to helping disabled individuals which is becoming very interesting.
Who is your favorite professor you've had in college and what did you enjoy about learning from him or her? Dr. Kathy Gabel for her fun and in-depth teaching.
Years involved in SAAC: One.
The reason I chose to get involved in SAAC: I wanted to understand how rules were established for athletes and to have a part in putting them in place.
What is the most important thing you've learned from balancing the demands of athletics and academics? That your personal time is important. Make time for the little joys of life or life will pass you by.
What does it mean to be a Division II student-athlete? Work hard in the class room and in your sport.
Current mentor(s): Everyone I meet mentors me in some way.
Future goals after school: Helping others through the outdoors in a health care option.
Biggest obstacle overcame during collegiate career: Becoming comfortable in my own skin and forgiveness for others.
Best advice I’d give to an incoming freshman: You will be experiencing a roller coaster of good and bad. Learn from it all to be your best self.
If I could spend the day with one person (past or present), who would it be (and why)? Craig Ferguson because he has gone through so much in life and accomplished so much that he would great to talk to.
Favorite sports team: MSUB Yellowjackets.
Favorite athlete: Steve Prefontaine.
Most memorable sports-related moment: Third place team finish in the GNAC
One thing that people don't know about me is: I love reading about motivation and how to inspire others