From NYU Athletics

The New York University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) hosted the fourth annual VESPYs on Wednesday, May 4, at the Kimmel Center's Rosenthal Pavilion.

Approximately 108 student-athletes attended the event to support Camp Dynamo, SAAC's non-profit partner, as well as their fellow athletes who were nominated for and won various awards.

The event ticket sales of over $1,000 allowed SAAC to increase its total to $4,700 for Camp Dynamo, a camp for children with serious illnesses. In addition to VESPYs attendance, garage sales of gently-used athletic equipment contributed to SAAC's largest-ever donation.

Much of the evening consisted of an awards ceremony. The Academic Affairs Office presented the Bobcat Award to Matt Eulau (wrestling) and the Transition Coach of the Year Award to Sam Praveen (men's cross country). SAAC members voted for the winners of several other awards, including women's soccer for Best Action Shot and wrestling for Best Video. Women's swimming & diving also won the Violet Cup, a friendly competition between all varsity sports teams.

"I was happy with the turnout this year. It is always great to have events where the student-athletes can come together to recognize each other," said Peter Schott, the 2015-16 SAAC President. "I am pleased with our fundraising efforts as well, since this was the first year that we held gently-used equipment sales. Not only are athletes able to buy equipment that they use during their seasons, but also SAAC was able to raise money for a good cause."

SAAC will begin its programming and fundraising efforts for the 2016-17 academic year with the Welcome Back Party, a celebration for all student-athletes, in September.