DALLAS—Two Jax State student-athletes were selected to represent the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee at the Conference USA annual SAAC meetings July 24-26 in Dallas.
 
Jax State SAAC president Rudi Barnette of the track and field team and vice president Karson Bonaparte from baseball participated in the meetings. . SAAC is a committee of student-athletes who provide insight based on student-athlete experience. The purpose of SAAC varies across conferences, however student-athletes involvement in SAAC generates a voice within the institution and conference and supports the campus and community through community service and campus outreach.  
 
Each of the league's member institutions had student-athletes attend the summit to discuss important topics and current events affective collegiate athletics including mental health, community service and an initiative on academics and professional development. The group also heard from presenters in the areas of sports betting, Name, Image, and Likeness, and financial literacy.
 
Additionally, the Jax State SAAC finished third in the Conference USA SAAC Cup standings which assigns a point total for each member school based on academic excellence, career development, financial literacy, and community service. This marks the first time the Gamecocks have placed in the standings.