Student athletes and athletic directors from Section X’s 24 districts met Feb. 1 for the Student Athlete Advisory Committee’s (SAAC) second meeting of the 2025-26 school year with the focus on gathering feedback on state athletic association rules and policies. Kylie Tyo of Parishville-Hopkinton and Marshall Wright of Morristown led discussions during the meeting related to the transfer rule, private school participation and the championship policy.

Discussion on the championship policy generated significant feedback from student athletes.

Russ Bartlett, UPK-12 principal at Hammond and NYSPHSAA Past President, praised Draper’s feedback and emphasized the importance of student input.

“When changes are made, there’s a ripple effect,” Bartlett said. “Decisions may work for large schools that graduate 1,500 students, but someone needs to speak up for districts like Colton-Pierrepont or Hammond that graduate 12. That’s where these athletes come in.”

Tyo and Wright emphasized the importance of student leadership and engagement. 

“I want everyone to feel that their voice matters,” Tyo said.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to help others learn about NYSPHSAA and how they can get involved,” Wright said.

Additional discussion centered on private school participation in public high school athletics and concerns about recruitment as well as competing in multiple sports during the same season, which is a Section X policy and athletes are encouraged to advocate through their athletic directors.

Before adjourning, student athletes collaborated to design a logo representing the Section X SAAC.