BY: MATT VAN WAGENEN

The Baron Athlete Advisory Committee, or BAAC, is hard at work protecting the well-being of the student-athlete.

"The main thing that we do is to gather feedback from the student athletes to ensure that they are doing well in their pursuits, the University is treating them right, and their coaches are doing their jobs in a way that coincides with Franciscan's values," said Joey Schlueter, President of the BAAC.

Vice President Kevin LeRoy and Schlueter work hard to voice the concerns of the dozens of student athletes on this campus. Thomas J. Froemsdorf, Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and Compliance for NCAA athletics, works with the committee to decide the best courses of action. Known as "T. J." to many, Froemsdorf is the staff adviser to BAAC.

"At each BAAC meeting, two representatives from every sport on campus meet up to express their concerns to Kevin and I, and we report them to T. J.," said Schlueter. "It's been a learning process because sports are still growing on campus, and so BAAC is still trying to find its niche."

Currently, LeRoy and Schlueter are both working on a proposal for Franciscan's student government to extend the operating hours of the Finnegan Fieldhouse

"This will not only benefit student athletes but the entire student body as well," said Schlueter. "We are working through the final stages to get it approved."

The two have received much support from the student body and have almost won over the student government as well, receiving a majority vote by senators.

"In the future, BAAC looks to be a more active presence on campus," said Schlueter. "So look for our upcoming events this spring."