Student Athlete Advisory Committee Profile- Thomas Graves
LA GRANDE, Ore.- The Cascade Collegiate Conference sponsors a Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) made up of representatives from each member institution. The function of the committee is to; d
iscuss and provide feedback on conference issues affecting student-athlete welfare, assist in educating student athletes about CCC/NAIA issues on their home campus, increase and improve student-athletes’ understanding of the CCC and NAIA Legislative process, promote student-athlete participation in department wide Champions of Character programs and provide a forum for addressing student-athlete concerns.
The CCC office caught up with Tom Graves who is one of the committee representattives from Corban and participates in Golf Tom is begiining his first year as a member of SAAC.
Tom Graves Corban
Men’s Golf
Major/Minor- Accounting/Biblical Studies
SR
GPA -3.75 Cumulative, 3.96 Business
Hometown- Gleneden Beach, OR
High School Attended- Newport High School, Newport, OR.
Parent’s- Kevin and Sue Graves
CC- How did you choose Corban to continue your athletic and academic career?
TG- I chose Corban after a disappointing golf season my senior year of high school. I debated whether I wanted to swim or golf in college, but ultimately I knew there was unfinished business on the golf course. Corban made sense financially, academically, and spiritually. It has been a great fit for me ever since!
CC- What are some of the demands of being a student athlete?
TG- The biggest demand of being a student athlete is time management. So much time is spent practicing and competing that it is essential to learn how to budget time well. Sometimes even saying “no” to things is a must.
CC- What are some of your best experiences so far, both academically and athletically at college?
TG- Academically, I have had the privilege of going to a couple of exclusive accounting events. These have helped me to acquire skills in professional conduct, business etiquette, and interacting with highly regarded individuals. Athletically, I have been able to travel to some spectacular places such as Victoria, BC. Another highlight was playing in the NAIA Golf National Championships in 2013.
CC- Who are some influential people in your life at Corban?
TG- The two most influential people in my life at Corban are my band director, Mr. Griffiths, and my accounting professor, Dr. Bernard. They have both imparted so much wisdom and knowledge into me and I am very grateful for all they have done for me during my four years at Corban.
CC- When not competing or studying what do you do for fun?
TG- Honestly, I go golfing. I enjoy the game so much and it never gets old because you never have the same shot twice. I also enjoy working out, spending time with friends, and eating out.
CC- What do you hope to accomplish as a member of the CCC-SAAC?
TG- I hope to be a part of beginning an SAAC at Corban University. We are one of the only colleges in the CCC that do not yet have an SAAC, and I think it would be a great stride to implement one in the near future.
CC- What do you see yourself doing after graduation?
TG- After graduation I hope to continue my education by beginning graduate school at Corban to acquire my Master’s degree in Business Administration. This will allow me to obtain enough credit hours to sit for the CPA Exam. I also plan to be on the coaching staff for Corban’s golf teams starting in the fall of 2015.