Rojas Betanzos Elected to ACC SAAC Executive Board
8/17/2026 4:00:00 PM | Cross Country, Women's Rowing, Track and Field
Syracuse cross country/track and field student-athlete Ruben Rojas Betanzos has been selected to serve on the Atlantic Coast Conference's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Executive Board for the 2026-27 school year, the conference announced on Monday.
Rojas Betanzos will serve as the ACC SAAC's Vice Chair. Additionally, women's rowing's Mara McBride will also serve as a Syracuse representative in the ACC SAAC. Each of the ACC's 18 member institutions nominates representatives to SAAC, while members of the Executive Board are selected through a conference-wide vote of their fellow student-athletes.
"At both the institutional and conference levels, ACC SAAC is a trusted partner in shaping policy and priorities," said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, Ph.D. "Their voices ensure our decisions reflect the needs, ambitions and values of the more than 12,200 student-athletes who define the ACC."
ACC SAAC provides an important connection between the conference's student-athletes and ACC leadership, giving student-athletes a meaningful voice in legislation, governance, community engagement and initiatives that shape their collegiate experience. In addition to providing feedback on conference and NCAA matters, SAAC members support community service efforts, promote sportsmanship and help advance a positive culture throughout ACC athletics.
Rojas Betanzos was a member of Syracuse's ACC runner-up squad at last year's conference championships, and also qualified for the ACC Indoor Track and Field Championships in the mile. In addition to his competitive success, he has excelled in the classroom as well. A recipient of the 2026 Weaver-James-Corrigan-Swofford Postgraduate Scholarship, he was also honored by the USTFCCCA as a scholar athlete and a member of the All-ACC Academic Team.
Rojas Betanzos has also been involved in shaping the future of intercollegiate athletics, meeting with staff from the Senate Commerce Committee and representing Syracuse and the ACC on CBS News in support of the Protect College Sports Act.
McBride is a member of the Orange women's rowing team that posted a program-best ninth place finish at last year's NCAA Championships. Majoring in neuroscience and psychology, McBride and the Orange were fourth at last year's ACC Championships.
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Rojas Betanzos will serve as the ACC SAAC's Vice Chair. Additionally, women's rowing's Mara McBride will also serve as a Syracuse representative in the ACC SAAC. Each of the ACC's 18 member institutions nominates representatives to SAAC, while members of the Executive Board are selected through a conference-wide vote of their fellow student-athletes.
"At both the institutional and conference levels, ACC SAAC is a trusted partner in shaping policy and priorities," said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, Ph.D. "Their voices ensure our decisions reflect the needs, ambitions and values of the more than 12,200 student-athletes who define the ACC."
ACC SAAC provides an important connection between the conference's student-athletes and ACC leadership, giving student-athletes a meaningful voice in legislation, governance, community engagement and initiatives that shape their collegiate experience. In addition to providing feedback on conference and NCAA matters, SAAC members support community service efforts, promote sportsmanship and help advance a positive culture throughout ACC athletics.
Rojas Betanzos was a member of Syracuse's ACC runner-up squad at last year's conference championships, and also qualified for the ACC Indoor Track and Field Championships in the mile. In addition to his competitive success, he has excelled in the classroom as well. A recipient of the 2026 Weaver-James-Corrigan-Swofford Postgraduate Scholarship, he was also honored by the USTFCCCA as a scholar athlete and a member of the All-ACC Academic Team.
Rojas Betanzos has also been involved in shaping the future of intercollegiate athletics, meeting with staff from the Senate Commerce Committee and representing Syracuse and the ACC on CBS News in support of the Protect College Sports Act.
McBride is a member of the Orange women's rowing team that posted a program-best ninth place finish at last year's NCAA Championships. Majoring in neuroscience and psychology, McBride and the Orange were fourth at last year's ACC Championships.
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Players Mentioned
/ Women's Rowing
/ Track and Field
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