CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- Coe College men's cross country and track & field student-athlete Carson Strukel will be the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) representative to the NCAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Strukel's appointment will begin on January 18, 2026.
"Carson has truly distinguished himself by embracing every opportunity to grow as a leader and advocate for his fellow student-athletes," said Marie Stroman, A-R-C Commissioner. "His commitment to learning and connecting — including his participation in the recent A-R-C Student-Athlete Leadership Conference and upcoming NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum — exemplifies the spirit of what it means to represent the American Rivers Conference at the national level. As a political science major, this experience will no doubt deepen his understanding and impact in leadership roles ahead."
Luther's Jack Bell is serving as the A-R-C representative currently and will roll off in January as Strukel rolls on.
"I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to represent the American Rivers Conference with my upcoming time on the NCAA Division III SAAC," said Strukel. "Being a DIII student-athlete is a special privilege, and I am honored to be able to represent the needs of our student-athletes of our member institutions and the conference at a national level. I’m more than excited to be able to advocate for SAAC’s mission of fostering a positive experience for all student-athletes and to continue to protect the student-athlete experience."
The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) represents the Division III student-athlete voice in the Division III governance structure by reviewing legislation; identifying significant student-athlete issues; implementing national student-athlete-based initiatives; encouraging community outreach; and enhancing Division III student-athlete involvement in and understanding of Division III in general. The SAAC is also the committee that is primarily responsible for maintaining and coordinating the division’s nationwide partnership with Special Olympics. The committee meets in person three times each year in January, July and November, and has a teleconference in April. It also conducts additional teleconferences as needed.
Strukel's appointment will run through January 22, 2028.
About the American Rivers Conference
Nationally respected for excellence in NCAA Division III athletics, the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) has a tradition dating back to its founding in 1922 as the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Association and adopted its current name in 2018 to reflect its strong Iowa roots and growing regional footprint. The A-R-C is a collaborative community that champions the holistic development of student-athletes, uniting member institutions in a shared commitment to academic achievement, athletic distinction, and leadership.
The A-R-C is home to nine full-time member institutions: Buena Vista University, Central College, Coe College, University of Dubuque, Loras College, Luther College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Simpson College, and Wartburg College. Luther College has announced its departure from the conference, effective at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year.
