Student Athlete Advisory Committee Profile- Chad Smurthwaite
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; discuss 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 Chad Smurthwaite who is one of the committee representatives from WPC and participates in cross country and track/field. Chad is beginning his first year as a member of
SAAC.
Chad Smurthwaite, Warner Pacific College
Cross Country/Track and Field
Major- Human Biology & Health and Human Kinetics/Health
Junior
GPA- 3.8
Hometown- Boring, OR.
High School Attended- Sam Barlow High School
Parent’s - Steve and Nancy Smurthwaite
CC- How did you choose WPC to continue your athletic and academic career?
CS- I ended up coming to Warner after a few short stints at Boise State University and Western Oregon. Both being public schools, I was not able to get enough financial support without completely loaning out my college career. Coming to Warner, I had spent a year in the college system and was able to get academic scholarships in addition to the athletic ones that made it possible to attend. Warner also was attractive to me because it had the major options that I was interested in, as well as connections with many career opportunities. Warner Pacific also is a school that is committed to serving the community and helping people who need it, something that I am very interested in.
CC- What are some of the demands of being a student athlete?
CS- Being a student athlete definitely requires good time management to fit everything in that you need. Making sure you maintain your GPA and truly understand the material is time consuming enough, but when you throw in all of the athletic commitments, you can become overwhelmed pretty easily if you are not disciplined.
CC- What are some of your best experiences so far, both academically and athletically at college?
CS- For me, finding the right fit in college was one of the best experiences. Switching around schools gets old really fast. Once I got to Warner I was able to settle in and I that allowed me to focus on grades and sports and just enjoying the college experience. Being named a captain in the two years I’ve been at Warner has also been one of the best experiences for me. As far as sports go I believe the best is yet to come for me, I redshirted at Western Oregon and fought through some injuries last year at Warner. In terms of grades, I think the best is yet to come as well. My goal for the rest of my time at Warner is to be named an Academic All American.
CC- Who are some influential people in your life at WPC?
CS- Some of the people I look up to at Warner include some of the professors within my major. They really push me to do well and understand what they are teaching. The coaches I work with in track and cross country also inspire me. They keep me motivated and push me to do the best I can and are always there for me if I need anything.
CC- When not competing or studying what do you do for fun?
CS- When I’m not competing I love reading and writing. They are a good stress reliever for me and it is something I enjoy doing. Also music is a big part of my life. My iTunes account is filled with thousands of songs for any situation. Over this past year I’ve also picked up photography. I enjoy spending time outside and being able to capture moments (whether it’s a hike or camping or anything) is something I enjoy.
CC- What do you hope to accomplish as a member of the CCC-SAAC?
CS- As a member of this group I hope to continue to improve the athletic and academic environment found within the Warner Pacific community as well as in the Cascade Collegiate Conference. Being my first year as a member of the SAAC I’m not entirely sure of what to expect but I look forward to the many opportunities that will arise. Looking specifically at Warner Pacific, the student athlete has had a hard time having their voice heard within the entirety of the campus community so I know that will be an area of focus. Another focus point will be looking into opportunities for the sports teams to have more funding for implements and travel costs. This has been an area of concern I have noticed in my time at Warner.
CC- What do you see yourself doing after graduation?
CS- After I graduate my plan right now is to go on to graduate school and study physical therapy. I love helping people, and I find the human body fascinating in all the things it is capable of. I feel that this is a job that I would really enjoy doing. Beyond that, I am not sure right now. A good plan is one that can be changed.