COLUMBUS, Ohio- The Great Midwest Student-Athlete Advisory Committee gathered in Columbus along with conference staff for its annual summit.
 
The two-day summit started with a community engagement activity in conjunction with Columbus Recreation & Parks. On Friday, July 26, more than 20 Great Midwest SAAC members traveled to Willis Athletic Complex to spend time with youth campers. For two and a half hours, G-MAC SAAC members split into groups and participated in activity stations such as Ga-Ga ball, speed ball, and hockey.
 
“It has truly been a blessing to collaborate with Columbus Parks and Rec,” said Great Midwest SAAC Chair Trent Maddox. “Building relationships with the students has been an unforgettable experience. It's always incredibly enjoyable and a highlight of our time together!”
 
Friday evening ended with a presentation on the dangers of sports wagering by Patrick Chester from EPIC. The mission of EPIC is to provide customized sports wagering gambling harm prevention.
 
Saturday began with a business meeting where SAAC members discussed goals for the upcoming academic year. The meeting was led by Trent Maddox, Great Midwest SAAC Chair as well as Camryn Pickerill, Great Midwest SAAC Vice Chair.
 
Bobby Brown, a former University of Findlay student-athlete, ended the summit with a presentation on life after athletics as well as discussions on financial literacy. 
 
The Great Midwest SAAC meets five times a year, twice a semester via video conference and once each summer at an in-person summit.