I was talking with my good friend David Humm (All American quarterback at University of Nebraska and former Oakland Raider, Baltimore Colt and Buffalo Bill) and we were reminiscing our days of being recruited in high school to college. Now understand our memories are quite different as I was recruited by one, yes one school, (University of Minnesota) and David was recruited by over 60.
David spoke of being seated between Paul “Bear” Bryant and Joe Namath at a Las Vegas show and that being quite an event and memory. Although today’s pressure and celebrity status can be as much if not more than it was 30 years ago, the challenge of making the right choice still remains the same.
PUT SOMEONE OBJECTIVE IN THE DECISION MAKING PROCESS
Yes the decision is yours and one that you live with but remember this. Your child is a 17 or 18 year old young person and as a parent, this may be the first time that you have been through the recruiting process. As a parent, it is difficult not to get caught up in the recruiting process as well.
It is exciting and flattering to the entire family when one of the most respected college coaches is sitting in your living room “selling” your family on the advantages of their institution. The process can be exciting, confusing and emotional to say the least.
Your coach or someone who has been through the process before can be extremely helpful during these times. Having someone who is somewhat removed and more objective can offer your child and you insights that assist you in making a more informed decision.
SAYING THANK YOU COUND MAKE A DIFFERENCE LATER
When your decision is made, each institution is entitled to a thank you from your son or daughter. It is part of your child’s maturation process to talk to the people who have put their time and money into recruiting them. How you say good bye makes a difference. In showing class as a family you have kept the door open in the event that you made the wrong decision and want to reconsider. Many athletes have spent their freshman year at one institution only to change their minds and enroll at another and the door will only be open if you show character in how you were recruited.
People like Chris Berg can be invaluable in the athletic recruiting process for several reasons. First and foremost, Chris is a man with great character and values who has been through the process himself. Additionally, Chris has worked with many institutions and coaches and has first hand experience of their character in the athletic recruiting process. Finally, Chris truly cares about his clients and will offer objective advice what could be the best choice based on multiple factors beyond the 10 game season.
For more information about Coach Roz and how is helping inner-city youth visit: www.theplaymakers.org
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
What about the “character” of the college coaches and warning parents about that phenomenon.
Tim, I think writing an article about the college coach’s character would b a valuable post…you have any specific ideas, stories, etc? Does Erin have a blog?