A New Chapter for Soffer: Coach Norris's Athletic Committee

By: Nicole Russo

Coach Norris, the driving force of the school's athletic division, is taking teamwork off the field with the formation of a new student organization– the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC). Developed to bring students together through their shared passion for athletics, SAAC will offer a platform where athletes and non-athletes can become involved, build leadership skills, and help shape school sports culture in the years ahead.

“Our ultimate goal down the line is to have both the athletes and the non-athletes within the school be included in the athletics community and be one department. This is participation, and this is unity, not so much competition," Coach Norris explained in an interview.

The club will also provide numerous opportunities such as team managers, helping out at sporting events during the course of the year, planning the end-of-year athletic ceremony, and assisting with running fundraisers. Every member can get some leadership experience by sitting on different committees, which is both valuable and rewarding experience.

SAAC is open to any student who has good attendance, good grades, and is willing to participate. In exchange, members receive community service hours and leadership skills– great tools for college and the future.

Yet SAAC's ultimate dream is one of inclusiveness. "You don't necessarily have to be an athlete to be involved," Coach Norris explained. "If you enjoy watching sports, are involved with social media, want to be a stats-keeper, or just like being around a team environment– there's something for everybody.".

Coach Norris believes that SAAC will leave a lasting legacy in the athletic culture of the school. "This club opens up athletics to the entire school. It allows students to engage in sports in a manner that's more than playing– and that's something I believe will be lasting."

With its formal launch ongoing, SAAC stands poised to recruit new members and begin making a difference in students' lives, game by game, event by event.