Friday, March 26, 2021

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: Andrew Oslin
Sport: Cross Country and Track and Field
Institution: Saint Martin's University
Year: Junior
Major: Communication Studies
Hometown: Edgewood, Washington

Why Did You Choose To Attend Saint Martin’s?: I chose to attend Saint Martin's because it’s a small community that offers a wide range of academic, athletic and social experiences. I knew I wanted to be a part of the cross country and track and field programs and the small campus is peacefully located in the woods of Lacey. I enjoy seeing friends and people I know on a daily basis just by walking through campus. Professors truly care about their students as individuals rather than just a number on a list.

What Is Your Favorite Class You Have Taken And Why?: I enjoy my creative writing class because it’s nice to have variety in the writing style I work in, which is often academic or journalistic.

Who Is Your Favorite Professor And What Did You Enjoy About Learning From Him Or Her?: My favorite professor is Dr. Dustin Zemel because of his efforts to connect on a personal level while being able to give constructive criticism. I enjoyed his digital journalism class because he encouraged active engagement in the local community.

Years Involved In SAAC: Two years.

The Reason You Chose To Get Involved In SAAC: I wanted to get involved with SAAC for a few reasons. I represent student-athletes in our student government body, the Associated Students of Saint Martin's University. In participating in SAAC, I can connect the two organizations to facilitate things like community service opportunities and events for student-athletes on campus. I also want to help in any way possible to represent student-athletes to our administration so our voices are heard.

Most Memorable SAAC Activity To Date: The most memorable SAAC activity to date for me is the SAAC retreat because I can work with student-athletes from around the conference.

How Do You Feel Participating In SAAC Will Help You In Life After You Graduate?: Participating in SAAC will help me in life after graduation because it reminds me that when you find dedicated individuals to work toward a common goal with, the possibilities are endless.

What Does It Mean To You To Be A Division II Student-Athlete?: Being a Division II student-athlete means having importance placed on both athletics and academics. Division II schools are often smaller, which allows for this to happen.

What Is The Most Important Thing You’ve Learned About Balancing Athletics And Academics?: The most important thing I've learned is that it’s very possible to balance athletics and academics with enough planning, dedication and hard work. Things may get very busy at times, but I like to remind myself that both of these things are worth putting in the effort for.

Biggest Obstacle Overcome During Your Collegiate Career: One of the biggest obstacles I have overcome is training alone last summer during the pandemic.

Favorite Thing About Competing In The GNAC: The GNAC is a very competitive conference with a variety of schools. The conference has a lot of intense but respectful competition.

Most Memorable Sports-Related Moment: Traveling to Oregon and Montana was a blast. The road trips and hotel stays are something special.

If You Could Change One NCAA Rule, It Would Be: It would be awesome if we were allowed to go for runs with prospective student-athletes once they've committed. It would be nice if they were permitted to use the school track once they've signed because it would allow for early team bonding.

Current Mentor(s): My coaches, my parents and my closest friends.

Best Advice You’d Give To An Incoming Freshman: Stay healthy, be a team player and do the little things that help you and your team get better. Consistency is key.

If You Could Spend The Day With One Person (Past Or Present), Who Would It Be (And Why)?: I would choose the great Arthur Lydiard, who was one of the most successful distance running coaches of his time. I am curious about what he was like as a person.

Extracurricular Activities: Besides athletics, I also participate in student government, the pep band and wind ensemble, the school newspaper and various clubs like the film club.

Future Goals After Graduation: I want to continue training, learn new things and find a job that I enjoy. I think education extends beyond the classroom. There is always an opportunity for growth. I may consider graduate school as well.

Favorite Sports Team: My favorite team is the Seattle Seahawks. I find Pete Carroll's coaching style inspiring and I enjoy listening to Steve Raible on the radio.

Favorite Athlete: My favorite athlete is Mo Farah because he is fierce in competition but also compassionate and kind to others.

One Thing People Don’t Know About You Is: I play two kinds of clarinets.