Bringing together voices from 24 districts across the region, Section X student athletes and athletic directors met recently to discuss strategies to strengthen leadership, sportsmanship and the overall student athlete experience.
On Nov. 21, the Section X Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) held its inaugural meeting for the year at the SLL BOCES Educational Services Center. Throughout the school year, members will address issues in high school athletics and develop initiatives to promote a positive experience. Each member is expected to model leadership and provide feedback on programs such as scholar-athlete recognition, sportsmanship, life of an athlete, student leadership and community service. The committee includes two student athletes from each of the 24 districts. Members serve one-year terms, with juniors eligible for two years.
Lisbon athletic director Erika Backus and Morristown athletic director Tiffany Irish, who lead the Section X Student Athlete Development Committee, opened the meeting and discussed priorities for the year.
Backus said the goal is to empower students to shape their athletic experience. “We want them to have a voice,” Backus said. “We want them to tell us what they want so we can make a better experience for them, whether in the classroom, on the field or in their districts. Too often the focus goes away from the kids. It’s got to be them first.”
Potsdam junior Allyson Draper, who swims and plays hockey and lacrosse, said the meeting was an opportunity to share ideas and strengthen leadership skills. “I’m here to represent my district and bring our ideas and listen to other ideas of other districts,” Draper said. “We’ll bring what we learned back to Potsdam and talk with our athletic director about how to get information out, through the announcements, surveys and conversations with teammates. Being on a team is such a great feeling. The girls are extremely supportive, and we have experienced coaches who push us to be our best.”
In breakout sessions students shared challenges and ideas to improve participation and sportsmanship. Barriers identified included transportation, limited playing time for non-starters, lack of early exposure to certain sports and high equipment costs. Students also noted that travel teams and private programs sometimes conflict with Section X’s emphasis on sportsmanship, as negative behaviors can carry over into school athletics.
Morristown junior Jocelyn Bush, who plays soccer and basketball, said leadership roles at school prepared her for SAAC. “Being a leader means being a role model, representing my school and helping anyone who needs help,” Bush said. “A fellow student athlete spoke about a varsity club at their school where athletes visit younger classrooms to inspire kids to play sports. I thought that was a great idea and already talked to my athletic director about it.”
Before adjourning, Section X students proposed initiatives such as forming SAAC groups in their districts, reviving “Adopt-a-Team,” increasing in-person meetings, improving communication and providing feedback on end-of-season awards.
The meeting also featured a panel from St. Lawrence University’s SAAC, including Brian Atkins, associate athletic director for health, performance and wellness; Erik Geier, assistant track and field coach and SAAC coordinator; and student athletes Bodie Molnar (Norwood-Norfolk alum) and Emma Brosell (Potsdam alum). They discussed their roles, initiatives and how SAAC advocates for student athlete needs, including NCAA legislation, community service and campus-wide issues such as dining services.
Section X SAAC is part of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) SAAC, which includes two representatives from each of the state’s 11 sections. Current Section X representatives are Kylie Tyo (Parishville-Hopkinton) and Marshall Wright (Morristown). Students learned more about NYSPHSAA, including administration, classifications, championships, rules, programs and committees.
2025-26 Section X SAAC membersBrushton-Moira– Colton Curran, Brexyss Gerow
Canton– Parker Ames, Lena Frank
Chateaugay– Liam Green, Lexi Sutton
Clifton-Fine– Alecs Kerr, Lily Thompson
Colton-Pierrepont– Anna Hurley, Liam LaMora
Edwards-Knox– Sami Lottie, Brenden Skeldon
Gouverneur– Raegan Devlin
Hammond– Blair Aiken, Mia Tulley
Harrisville– Violet Atkinson, Ava Bearor
Hermon-DeKalb– Mya Green, Lydia Whitton
Heuvelton– Levi Biller, Kerrigan Doyle
Lisbon– AJ Donaldson, Emma Fox
Madrid-Waddington– Abigail Froats, Kolby Todd
Malone– Raegan McArdle
Massena– Samantha Beard, Dylan Hendricks
Morristown– Jocelyn Bush, Wyatt Clement
Norwood-Norfolk– Caden Liebfred, Olivia Plonka
Ogdensburg– Urijah Austin, Brooke Irvine
Parishville-Hopkinton– Jordan Perry, Kylie Tyo
Potsdam– Alyson Draper, Jackson Greer
Salmon River– Calysta Cree, Kayden Thompson
St. Lawrence– Mary-Cate Dow, Corban Flynn
St. Regis Falls– Chet Damon, Lilly Sherman
Tupper Lake– Ava Facteau, Brock Fleishman
