The Student Athletic Advisory Committee recently sponsored a survey on KATIE allowing Luther’s athletes to voice concerns about Dining Services. The results have not been released yet, but based on the number of responses, SAAC is anticipating some interesting feedback.

“We should have about 300 responses,” said Rob Larson, associate professor of management and a SAAC adviser. “This kind of turnout is stunning to me.”

The survey was put together by SAAC officers in an attempt to gather data about issues many athletes have with the caf, including operating hours and the quality or quantity of food available when athletes arrive.

“During cross country season, we do 17 to 18 mile runs starting at 4:30,” said Trevor Ruwitch (‘09), vice president of SAAC. “It takes about two hours, so afterward I’ve got a half hour to get to the caf and shower. By the time I get there, the food has been pulled or it’s shut down. My only other option is Marty’s, where you get a burger and some fries. That’s not enough.”

Ruwitch is not the only athlete who has faced difficulties getting enough food after practices. This is a problem many varsity athletes have.

“The main thing is that the caf closes at 7:00,” said Assistant to the Athletic Director Stephanie Clark. “A lot of practices don’t end until 6:30, so by the time they’re done getting in from the fields, they still have the after practice talk, icing, going to the training room or they have to shower. So by the time they get up there, it’s probably five to 7:00, if they’re lucky.”

Athletes have not always had these problems with cafeteria hours.

“Part of this problem sort of evolved,” said Larson. “No one would design a system like this. It is a result of years of activities and subtle changes.”

The problems partially arose because of a scheduling switch several years ago.

“Three years ago there was a scheduling change which put classes ending at about 4:00,” said Karl Larson, president of SAAC. “But there was no corresponding change in cafeteria hours. This compressed sports’ time to practice.”

Although this issue affects varsity athletes most directly, it also affects many in the student body as a whole.

“I’ve heard that the music department experiences similar problems with performances and practices,” said Karl Larson (‘08). “I imagine sports like rugby and Frisbee run into some problems too. They would all definitely see benefits from changes.”

When the results have been gathered, SAAC plans to hold a meeting on April 27 to discuss them and draw up proposals for President Richard Torgerson to consider.

“I’m interested to see what their recommendations are,” said Rob Larson. “There are some structural inequities that need to be addressed. I think that their issues are very real.”

Dining Services is receptive to hearing suggestions.

“We know there are a lot of times [athletes] really have to scramble,” said Director of Dining Services Warren Palm. “The other bad thing that could happen is that if you’re going to run out of food during a meal period, it’s probably going to happen toward the end rather than in the middle. That’s a risk too, and it’s something we’re looking at.”

The kinds of changes have yet to be decided, but the effects would be visible to everyone.

“We have to keep lots of services open late, like the library,” said Ruwitch. “It will cause some complexities, but we have to be responsible. I just hope the solution will take into account the most efficient way to help the most people.”