STUDENT-ATHLETES OF THE MONTH
Each month, the UW Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) selects its "Student-Athletes of the Month." These student-athletes are nominated by their coaches and academic advisors based on the following criteria:
• Be academically eligible and in good academic standing • Have obtained an outstanding achievement or recognition in academics • Make a significant contribution to their respective team • Be actively engaged in community service
SAAC members then vote on the winners at the first SAAC meeting of each month. The goal is to have each sport represented throughout the year. At the end of the year, all of the "Student-Athletes of the Month" become the nominations for the male and female Student-Athlete of the Year awards, which is awarded at the Buckinghams.
BRIANNA DECKER A human development and family studies major, senior Brianna Decker was the 2012 Patty Kazmaier Me- morial Award winner and is a two-time All-American. The reigning WCHA Player of the Year, Decker leads the Badgers in goals and points this year. Decker was the women's hockey team's SAAC representative in 2010-11 and 2011-12.
MICHAEL WEISS
A first-team Academic All-American by the College Swim Coaches Associ- ation of America last season, Michael Weiss continues to have one of the highest GPAs on the men's swim- ming and diving team. Weiss placed third in the 400-yard individual medley at last year's NCAA cham- pionships and single-handedly led Wisconsin to a top-30 finish. He was named a team captain for the 2012- 13 season and was recently selected to represent the U.S. at the 2012 FINA Short Course World Cham- pionships in Turkey in December. After finishing fifth in the 400 IM at the 2012 USA Olympic Trials, Weiss is undefeated so far this season for the Badgers. Also active in the com- munity, Weiss has volunteered at the last two Madison Ironman events, participated in various food drives, and spent a day helping at a recent Special Olympics swim meet.
26 » VARSITY NOVEMBER 15, 2012
JARED BERGGREN A senior from Princeton, Minn., Berggren is a per- sonal finance major and the SAAC representative for men's basketball. A preseasn candidate for the Senior CLASS Award, advisors say Berggren is in great academ- ic standing, provides positive leadership for his teammates on and off of the floor and has always been generous with his time when it comes to serving the community.
