College Recruiting: An Athletic Director’s Perspective
February 19th, 2009 - byNCSA recently had the chance to catch up with a close friend of the program, Len Jankiewicz. Len is the Athletic Director at Lancaster Central High School and a strong supporter of the value in recruiting education. Based on his belief in recruiting education, Len has brought NCSA’s “Recruiting Simplified” education to the student-athletes and families at his high school for the last few years.
NCSA: Why did you originally bring in some sort of recruiting education? Why NCSA?
Len: In a high school athletes’ career, choosing the correct collegiate “fit” socially, academically, and athletically is a tall task. Even more so today, with the financial restrictions, there is ample motivation for all families to get as much information early as possible in the college recruiting decision process. NCSA is one service that has a track record with people I trust like Founder, Chris Krause, and Director of Football Operations, Bob Chmiel.
NCSA: What was your motivation for bringing the education back to your high school the next few years after the initial event?
Len: I feel there is a need for this to occur each year to bring up new and much needed information for these families facing this “once in a lifetime” decision for their son or daughter.
NCSA: Can you talk a little bit about the difference you have seen at your high school in regards to the recruiting process since bringing some sort of formal education to your families?
Len: For the student-athletes, I see increased understanding of the recruiting process more and more each year through discussing similar situations in the graduating seniors ahead of them. They take cues from people they trust.
The important theme that has echoed for parents year in and year out is not to leave this responsibility in anyone’s hands…except their own. In the past, coaches at our high school have been accused of not promoting athletes in their program for recruiting purposes, which is unfair. These seminars place the responsibility squarely on the shoulders of the student-athletes and their family.
Also, our coaches are absolutely more capable of helping our student-athletes in the right ways after attending NCSA seminars.
NCSA: What are some common misconceptions about the recruiting process that uninformed families have? Len: Every family needs to understand the meaning of potential and performance. Colleges judge on performance and they alone determine which players get financial assistance based on a number of varied factors. Each recruiting situation is unique; unique to the school and unique to the student.
NCSA: In your opinion who is responsible for the recruiting process?
Len: I firmly believe that each coach has a moral obligation to assist their players to identify a junior college or college where they might have a realistic opportunity to continue in sport participation. The great players in programs will be seen. There will be however, a number of players who need some added exposure… NCSA can help!
NCSA: What advice would you give families going through the recruiting process for the first time? Len: First and foremost, get as much information as EARLY IN THE PROCESS as possible. Academic issues need be laid out in the beginning of a student-athlete’s high school years. Athletically, strive to be considered the “hardest working player” on the team. Ability will be obvious, but a good attitude and work ethic could be the difference between a scholarship and no roster spot!
NCSA: It seems as though many high schools and their administrations are hesitant to bring recruiting education into their high schools. Why do you think that is and what would you tell those administrators? Len: I see our job as educational as much as anything. Why not provide as much information as possible during some of the most important times and choices of a student’s life?
February 19th, 2009 at 4:14 pm
Great interview, Adam. If only more HS Athletic Directors were like Coach Jankiewicz who wants to get the best recruiting information in the hands of his student athletes and coaches. Great information!
February 20th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
We can never do enough for our children..especially education..anything like that which Coach Jankiewicz did is so great and wish more schools would do that..there are so many segments in high school that they can step up and expose so many talents in kids, not just the athletes but many other area like academic,vocational area where talent kids can be directed and prepare themselves for the next level in life(real life)..keep up the good work.
Groberg M Lavulo