SAAC Field Day

SAAC Field Day

Field Day

The Student-Athlete Advisory Council hosted its 11th Field Day on Sunday, March 27.

 

Field Day provides a unique chance for Carnegie Mellon University student athletes to mentor young children through the sports they specialize and participate in during the school year. This annual event was developed in 2010 by former football and track and field athlete and 2013 graduate Liam McGrath. A mathematics major, McGrath conceived the idea for Field Day after working with children at sports camps during his summers.

During Field Day, children from around the Pittsburgh area have the opportunity to interact with Carnegie Mellon’s own student athletes while participating in a variety of sports. Student athletes from each varsity sport volunteer their time to show the area youth how much fun sports can be.

Participants will have the opportunity to race on the track, go through soccer drills and play small-sided games, run training drills for football, play volleyball, and work on shooting, dribbling and passing for basketball, all in a fun and relaxed environment.

 

 

"I've participated in field day for the past two years and each time I've really enjoyed seeing how much confidence the kids build by the end of the day. The kids look up to us as role models and it's very rewarding to be able to positively influence them. Also, seeing all of the kids' excitement with each activity really makes you grateful to still be participating in the sport you love every day as an athlete at CMU."
- Hailey Brown, Cross Country/Track & Field '15

 
 

“The athletes are wonderful with the kids and have a great time with them. My kids are completely caught up in the action, having too much fun to notice whether or not we are there watching. I know as the spring comes around they will start asking when the event will happen again…that’s what they did last year!”
- Yon Struble, Parent and Women's Soccer Head Coach

 

 

 

“Field day is a great experience. We have just as much fun as the kids! It brings a lot of joy to me to have the opportunity to teach and show the kids the sports we play in college."
- Seth Cordts, Men's Basketball '14

 “I have brought Chris, my mentee for the past several years to field day.  He looks forward each year to the challenges and being with kids who want to play all different sports.”
- Dario Donatelli, Retired Cross Country/Track & Field Coach
 

 

 

“Our student-athletes have made a commitment to the community with their annual field day, and I am proud of the importance they place on inspiring children to be active and healthy. The SAAC Field Day is one of my favorite days of each year – there is nothing better than watching the children smile and hearing their laughter as they play their favorite sports with outstanding role models.”
- Josh Centor, Director of Athletics

"The event means a lot to the student-athletes since it gives us a chance for a really rewarding volunteer experience and allows us to inspire kids in the community to be active and participate in athletics while having a lot of fun."
- Rekha Schnepf, Cross Country/Track & Field '15
 

Seventh Annual Field Day 2017 Story

Sixth Annual Field Day 2016 Story

Fifth Annual Field Day 2015 Story

Fourth Annual Field Day 2014 Story