1. Preparing Your Athletes For College Paul Sargent Head Cross Country / Track & Field Coach Franklin College

2. Never Underestimate The Life Value of a Coach In only three occupations does your profession become your name: oMedical Field Doctor Jones Nurse Smith oClergy Pastor Johnson Father John oCoaching Coach Sargent Coach Hall

3. The Coach and the Student-Athlete EXCITE EDUCATE EXPOSE EXPERIENCE

4. EXCITE  The sport of Track & Field is fun. KEEP IT THAT WAY! Team Training Teaching  There is a competition level and arena for almost every student-athlete. High School is not the end of a student-athlete’s career. There is an athletic and academic venue for a career to continue.

5. EDUCATE  Post articles about local athletes competing in college.  Post meet results.  Send your student-athletes links to results.  Educate yourself as a coach. Keep attending clinics Speak with former student-athletes Keep in communication with college coaches Understand the recruitment process. Have at least a working knowledge of recruitment rules and regulations.  Help your student-athletes find their “red thread”.

6. EXPOSE  Attend college meets or practices.  Ask a former student-athlete to speak at camp or practice.  Ask a former college student-athlete to speak at camp or practice.  Ask a college coach to speak at camp or practice.  Attend a National Championship event.

7. EXPERIENCE  Take a day of camp to visit a local college or university.  Visit a former student-athlete at their school.  Take a college day with your team or one of your student-athletes.

8. Discovering the Right Fit  Start with Academics –What is the career choice? Will they get a job? –What is the best academic fit? Intensity Academic issues Class size Learning style  Lecture  Research  Active learning

9. Discovering the Right Fit  Consider Location –Is location even an issue? –How far from home is student-athlete willing to travel? –How far are the parents / family willing to travel? How active do parents wish to be in the athletic career? –Are there social issues? Rural Urban Ethnic

10. Discovering the Right Fit  Ponder the Athletic Implications –Personality Team Member Points Contributor National Qualifier Scholarship pressure With all…how soon? –Talent Scholarship or not? –Academics Can Athletics and Academics co-exist?

11. Recruitment Time Line Freshmen Do your job as a coach. Help with vision for the future. –Academics –Career –Athletics Sophomores Continue your job as a coach. Begin school visits. –Relaxed atmosphere. Fill out any school information sent. Look for junior academic scholarships. Help with vision for the future. –Academics –Career –Athletics

12. Recruitment Time Line Juniors Narrow the search –Based on academics –List of 5 – 8 schools Apply for junior scholarships Visit schools –Setup up visits through Admissions. –Ask to meet with the coach. –Consider overnight visit(s). Apply at select schools. Begin NCAA Clearinghouse. Seniors Apply early. –Can waive application fee. –Time if problems arise. Stay on top of NCAA Clearinghouse. –Stay in communication with Guidance Counselor. Set up Athletic visits. –Official versus unofficial. –Overnight visit(s) with team. Find your Home. –Personality of school. –Personality of academic setting. –Personality of coaching staff. –Personality of team.