Jan. 29, 2010

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DURHAM, N.C. - The North Carolina Central University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee hosted its first annual Student-Athlete Lock-In on Saturday, Jan. 23 in McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium. The purpose of the lock-in was to promote team-building skills and allow the student-athletes to continue forming bonds amongst teams as one Eagle athletic family.

The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) consists of 28 student-athletes chosen by their teammates to represent the "voice" of their respective programs to the Athletics Director and higher administration. The SAAC also offers input on the rules, regulations and polices that affect student-athletes' lives on NCAA-member institution campuses. This year, Teryl White, a junior member of the football team, heads the committee as SAAC President.

The SAAC committee chose to host a Lock-In specifically targeting their fellow student-athletes. With the idea of fellowship in mind, the SAAC committee proposed the idea of a night filled with activities for the entire athletics program to come together and enjoy as a whole.

Often times with the demanding schedule of a student-athlete, many do not get the opportunity to engage in activities with other members of the different athletic teams at NCCU. The Lock-In brought the student-athletes, coaches and staff together in an informal setting to allow them to not only mix and mingle with student-athletes from other sports, but also to continue to improve upon their team-building skills and allow the students to see the "relaxed" side of their coaches and administrative staff.

The student-athletes and staff were invited to be "locked in" McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium from 10:00 p.m. until 3:00 a.m. Upon arrival the student-athletes were welcomed by members of the SAAC committee armed with Nerf dart guns ready for action. McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium was transformed to entertain the student-athletes, rather than the student-athletes being the entertainment for this one night.

Inside the gym were three massive inflatables, including bungee basketball, skee ball and the popular choice of the evening, the obstacle course. With the music playing, the student-athletes were engaged in activities from basketball to musical chairs and an explosive game of dodge ball. The coaches tested their talents against their student-athletes in classic board games of Monopoly, Clue and Taboo, while everyone got to be a Rockstar for the night showcasing their talents in Guitar Hero on the Wii.

"The Student-Athlete Lock-In was a huge success," said NCCU Director of Athletics Dr. Ingrid Wicker-McCree. "I am so proud of our SAAC committee's leadership and creativity in developing this event. We truly care about the total student-athlete and look forward to many other events such as the Lock-In to encourage and enhance camaraderie between our staff and student-athletes, as well as with their peers."

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