St. Andrews Presbyterian College | Laurinburg, NC | Athletics

Conference Carolinas SAAC 'Ventures Forward' at Annual Retreat

October 4, 2011

High Point, NC- Conference Carolinas hosted its fourth annual student-athlete advisory committee (SAAC) weekend retreat this past Friday and Saturday at the US National Whitewater Center in Charlotte. The event brought together two student-athletes and an athletic administrator from each member school building around the inspiration that sometimes to ‘venture forward’, one must overcome to persevere.

“What a great retreat” stated Commissioner Alan Patterson! “Our student-athletes are truly multi-dimensional and exemplified their passion for life, personal growth, and responsibility at this weekend’s retreat. I am pleased that these outstanding athletes represent Conference Carolinas.”

Events started Friday with some ice-breaking activities, followed by the opening session DISC assessment and results. The DISC assessment scores individuals unique behavioral styles based on the conducted questions and participant responses. The assessment was a focal activity of the retreat that helped participants better know their personalities and other corresponding personality traits to better enhance their interpersonal and leadership skills.

Friday afternoon participants dared the open waters of the Whitewater Center before reconvening during dinner to hear guest speaker Mike Cerino. Cerino shared relevant experiences as a former student-athlete, former DII Head Coach, and current DII Vice President for Athletics at Limestone College. He challenged participants to check their fears and take calculated risks to become successful student-athletes and future community leaders that beyond doubt will make a difference.

Saturday’s events were kicked-off with featured guest motivational speaker Beverly Benfield. Benfield lead the group through a very interactive presentation also focusing on overcoming fear and taking appropriate risks.

Participants then put their actual reservations aside by participating in a ropes course, rock-climbing, and zip-lining activities. While fearful, all participants put inhibitions aside and took on the calculated risks it takes to be successful.

Finally, the weekend’s closing event focused on a guest speaker panel formed by Ryan Tressel (Asst. Athletics Director at High Point University), Beverly Benfield (motivational speaker), Camila Kurebayashi (Conference Carolinas intern), and David Hicks (Director of Athletics at King College). These professionals shared with the group the authenticity of the professional world and their stepping stones to their real-life career successes and failures.

Queens University of Charlotte’s student-athlete Mary Strand shared some of her thoughts about the retreat. “I have really enjoyed my experience here at the 2011 SAAC Retreat. I learned a lot about leadership and I feel like I have definitely taken in some great information to bring back to my SAAC group that we can pass on to all of the student-athletes at Queens to help us ‘venture forward’ and be successful.”

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