NCSA College Athletic Scholarships Blog

How would you describe yourself as a coach? Hard driven, team oriented, cares about my players as athletes and students. Develop more than just physical tools, but mental and spiritual as well. I give my players everything I have as a coach and expect them to give their very best as a student.

What’s unique about the experience at your school? It is a community of people that care about each other.

What do recruits need to know about you? I love basketball but winning is a bi-product of doing things the right way.

What do you look for in recruits? Student-athletes that are good people, student, and athletes. In that order. Toughness and work ethic are very important.

What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process? Get us your tape and transcripts.

What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits? How can I get better?

What turns you off when you’re recruiting a student athlete? Ego-it’s all about them and playing time. Money.

What do you think your program is the most successful at? Holding people accountable and building teams.

Why should a recruit consider your program? Because we care about them as people.

If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you? Phone or e-mail.

How would you describe yourself as a coach? I’m an extremely passionate and dedicated coach. I’m not a yeller and a screamer. I try to keep an even demeanor on the sidelines. There’s enough crazy things happening throughout the course of a basketball game, the last thing players need to see when they look over at the bench is a coach who isn’t in control of the situation.

What’s unique about the experience at your school? The DePauw experience is a very unique one, both in the class room and on the court. In the class room, we have all the advantages of a small school — Average class size of 15, 10:1 student to faculty ratio but we are not a tiny campus. Our enrollment is just over 2,300 and we have the resources of a much bigger school. On the court, we offer a Division I travel experience at the Division III level. In our conference, the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference, we travel all over the country to play teams in Colorado, Texas, Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Our program is also very successful. Our seniors, who will graduate in May 2010, won 80 games over the 4-year career, for an average of 20 wins per season.

What do recruits need to know about you? Recruits need to know that both myself and our head coach, Bill Fenlon, are invested in all of our players’ success, both on and off the court.

What do you look for in recruits? We look for guys who can not only help us on the court, but also contribute to an unrivaled academic environment and be good citizens and role models every day on campus.

What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process? Every recruit needs to do his own homework during the recruiting process and make lists of what is important to him and then see if that list matches up with the schools he is considering. Also, don’t wait until the spring of your senior year to start the process. START EARLY and make an informed decision!

What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits? We love to hear just as many questions about the school as the basketball program!

What turns you off when you’re recruiting a student athlete? We have four non-negotiable demands for everyone who is a part of our program: (1) Be a great teammate (2) Give great effort (3) Be coachable (4) Hold yourself and others accountable — If you’re not doing these things on and off the floor, you can’t play for us.

What do you think your program is the most successful at? Our program is the most successful at graduating young men who are prepared to pursue their career dreams, whatever those may be.

Why should a recruit consider your program? A recruit should consider our program because we offer the best of both worlds: Nationally recognized and respected academics to go along with nationally recognized and respected athletics.

If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you? If you are interested, you should start by filling out our online questionnaire at www.depauw.edu/ath/mbasket/ and then send me an e-mail letting me know that you filled out the questionnaire and are interested in the program.

How would you describe yourself as a coach? My coaching style is to provide leadership through mentoring and positive reinforcement. I want our players to exhibit controlled aggression and be under control of their emotions at all times while giving tremendous effort. Our staff does our best to model that in our behavior and communications with our players.

What’s unique about the experience at your school? Our beautiful campus is located on the cliffs of the Atlantic Ocean in Newport, Rhode Island. At, Salve Regina University, we enroll 2,000 men and women from 40 states and 24 foreign countries. Our student-athlete population is 400 making our campus extremely supportive as athletes from nineteen different sports come together to encourage each other.

What do recruits need to know about you? Recruits should know that loyalty is the most important quality of our program. As a staff we want players who are loyal to the program in all aspects and do the very best they can with their academic careers, our community outreach efforts and on the basketball court. In return our staff will be loyal to these student-athletes and help them to have a solid experience and grow as a person, student and athlete to prepare them for life after they graduate from the university.

What do you look for in recruits? Toughness: mentally and physically is the overall characteristic we are looking for. Our staff wants players who understand that they must give effort in everything that they do and in return can see the rewards to their efforts. At the division III level there needs to be great self motivation by the student-athlete to stay focused on improvement all year long. Knowing this we really look for well coached, hard working guys who know how to play the game with passion.

What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process? I believe that recruits need to really examine every educational institution they are looking into from the perspective of not playing. If they are injured or have difficulty or adversity at the college level will they be able to prosper in the environment? They should choose a school based on the academic fit and the quality of people that are on the faculty/staff. This will give them comfort in knowing that if they cannot play their sport they can succeed and stay focused on the #1 goal which is a college degree.

What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits? Hearing questions about our educational programs start the most important discussions. I also love to hear questions regarding what our players do for off-season training. This communicates to me that the athlete is committed to staying physically fit all year long and wants to improve.

What turns you off when you’re recruiting a student athlete? When a recruit dictates his statistics it is not helpful. Our staff evaluates players based on seeing them play against good competition and the numbers are not important. There are many factors that influence numbers. We need to determine where they could fit in with what we are trying to accomplish.

What do you think your program is the most successful at? Our program is most successful at assisting in the maturation process of young adults into contributing members of society. Through support, leadership, community service opportunities and competition we try and provide experiences that lead our players to living their life in a positive way after graduation in whatever they do.

Why should a recruit consider your program? I believe recruits should consider our program if they are looking to be given opportunity to compete at the DIII level while getting a top notch education, in a beautiful area and being around caring people who are driven to team success.

If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?Potential recruits can contact me at the following link: http://www.salve.edu/athletics/teams/basketball_m/prospects.cfm

How would you describe yourself as a coach? I am a very compassionate, yet driven person. I have high expectations and expect a strong work ethic, for daily, weekly and seasonal goals for the team. I believe the off season helps mold a player, and believe very strongly in individual workouts and moving players forward throughout their career. Everything we do in practice helps us achieve our goals, there is rarely any drill work we do that isn’t incorporated into some type of offense or defensive scheme that we use.

What’s unique about the experience at your school? The experience at our school is different than your average campus. We are General Baptist Institution, and our basketball team operates on core Christian principles. The atmosphere is very family like all over campus. It really is a great place!

What do recruits need to know about you? I am a wife and a mother. I love my family and I love God, and I love my players like my own family. I am very passionate about basketball.

What do you look for in recruits? I look for players that will fit into what we have coming back and try to always get better with recruiting each year. I look for young ladies who are good people. I always tell recruits when they come to campus that I want them to grow in three areas, as a person, as an athlete and that they have some spiritual growth. They have to fit in as people not just players.

What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process?Make sure you file with the NCAA Clearinghouse. Talk to your guidance counselor about the requirements before you start your sophomore year in high school. The NCAA has changed the amount of core classes required and you may need that much time to get them worked into your schedule. It makes you more recruitable if you have already started the necessary steps to be brought in for visits or try outs at NCAA institutions. Also, emails from recruiting sites like these are a great tool, but follow up emails from the student athlete when someone expresses interest help move the process along. Providing video to the schools that you have a sincere interest in, is a step in the right direction as well.

What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits? What is your graduation rate? Can I get a job when I leave OCU? I like questions about what their degree will get them when they leave. Other good basketball questions are what is your philosophy on coaching the team and individuals, OR By the time I am a junior or senior what do you see my role as on this team. (in other words, what are your long term goals for me as a player!)

What turns you off when you’re recruiting a student athlete? Not interested in academics at all.. Lifestyle issues, such as partying, drinking, smoking… other things that aren’t allowed on our campus and have no place in the life of a college athlete..

What do you think your program is the most successful at? Moving players forward in their abilities, providing a great college basketball experience, and providing them with opportunities for spiritual growth.

Why should a recruit consider your program? We are a family, that wants to excel in the classroom, on the court, and in life.

If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?Email jmehringer@oak.edu

How would you describe yourself as a coach? I am fairly easy going if players show that they are dependable and responsible.

What’s unique about the experience at your school? Easy answer…we offer a D1 education with an opportunity to play against D3 competition. Remember Penn State-York is a Big Ten education on a small campus.

What do recruits need to know about you? I have had just about every experience in this game from a player, coach, parent where my teams have come in last place, won championships and fell somewhere in between.

What do you look for in recruits? Being dependable and responsible…if you cannot find the classroom and have no desire to get your degree, don’t waste your time, my time and your parents money.

What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process? Realize their weaknesses.

What turns you off when you’re recruiting a student athlete? When they think they are better than D3 competition.

What do you think your program is the most successful at? Recruiting good citizens that respect others.

Why should a recruit consider your program? It will give them a Nationally known education.

If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you? Send me an e-mail.

How would you describe yourself as a coach? Dedicated-disciplined-knowledgeable.

What’s unique about the experience at your school? 100% graduation rate for those who stay with the program!

What do recruits need to know about you? I tell the truth about their ability to play for us.

What do you look for in recruits? Good character-good grades-good player at the position I am recruiting. Ability to see & defend with quickness.

What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process? Take A,C,T, & S.A.T. tests-fill out F.A.F.S.A.

What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits? Where do you see me as a player in your program? Do you have a —program? Who is returning at my position? How is your employment rate after graduation?

What turns you off when you?re recruiting a student athlete? Someone who gets upset with team or coaches or seems to be playing for himself.

What do you think your program is the most successful at? Winning with changes as a result of personal. 25 wins per year-13 years.

Why should a recruit consider your program? Good school –Good basketball program

If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you? omalley@sxu.edu This information should be used only for recruits.

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?  A coach that cares about his athletes on and off the mat.  A coach that is committed to help you get what you want academically and athletically.

2. What’s unique about the experience at your school?  An outstanding college wrestling program and community.  The college is well respected throughout the Midwest and a wrestling program that competes for championship every year.  Our community loves wrestling also.  Waverly-Shell Rock High School has won the large school class in Iowa the last 3 years in a row.   

3. What do recruits need to know about you?  That I am a straight shooter.  If I tell you I want you to come to Wartburg, I sincerely mean it.  If I tell you it will be hard work it will be hard work.  If I tell you we plan on winning the NCAA title, I don’t mean we are “hoping” to win it, we are planning to come home with the trophy. 

4. What do you look for in recruits?  The first questions I ask is “How important is wrestling?” If the answers are “I’m not sure” or ” I think I would like to try it”… I will usually just say this is probably not the right fit for you.  We will ask too much from you, it needs to be important (a priority).

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process? Be organized and informed.  Take the ACT or SAT early and if necessary take it a 2^nd time, don’t push it off.  Know your class rank and GPA.  Coaches need to know this information. 

6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits? Questions about how they can be successful in school and wrestling.  I like hearing questions that show they have done their homework on our college and program.  This is s very important decision for the student-athlete, I like when they take it seriously.  They should, as it will affect their wrestling career and future endeavors. 

7.  What turns you off when you’re recruiting a student athlete? When the only thing that matters is how much it will cost.  This is very short sighted.  Would you buy a home, a car with only cost in mind?  Choose a doctor with only cost in mind?  Obviously cost is a factor but certainly not the “only” factor in making a good decision for what you need.  Also, when an athlete chooses another college and quits answering my calls.  Just do the right thing and say “Coach thanks for your interest, but I have decided to go elsewhere.”  Believe me, every coach out there will respect you more and appreciate it if you just “man up” and tell them.  They can cross you off their list and move on. 

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at? If you can be at or near the top year after year, it will become apparent that “Peaking” your team to perform their best at eh end of the season is something you are good at. 

9. Why should a recruit consider your program? There are very few programs in the country, at any level or division, where their team has a “real chance” to compete for the National Championship every year.  The ultimate in college athletics is to win your own individual title AND be on a team that also wins national titles. 

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?  I am easy to get in contact with.  Visit our website at www.wartburg.edu

Jim Gruenwald is in his first year as the head wrestling coach for the Thunder wrestling team. He was hired in May 2009, replacing Dan Weber. 

Gruenwald, a two-time member of the US Olympic Greco Roman wrestling team, comes to Wheaton after serving as an assistant coach for US Greco Roman wrestling team at the US Olympic Education Center in Marquette, Michigan since 2005. Gruenwald finished sixth at 60 kg in the greco roman competition at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney and was 10th at the 2004 Olympics in Athens. A three-time US Champion, Gruenwald completed his competitive career in 2008 as a National Champion, he also won titles in 2003 and 2004. 

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

Fun and Intense

2. What’s unique about the experience at your school?

Wheaton provides the unique opportunity to sharpen the wrestler spiritually, academically, physically, other colleges may be better in one or even two, Wheaton hits all 3.

3. What do recruits need to know about you? 

I have wrestled at every level, from kids to the Olympics and have coaches at every level.  I understand the sport and am prepared to help an athlete achieve his goals.

4. What do you look for in recruits? 

I am looking for recruits who are teachable, hard workers, intelligent, but more importantly, are looking to serve God in the wrestling.

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process?  Communicate

6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits? 

How do I know this is where God wants me?

7. What turns you off when you?re recruiting a student athlete? 

Entitlement and arrogance.

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at? 

Training young men to maximize ability and preparing them to serve God regardless of career i.e. preparing to be a teacher, minister, businessman, politician, police officer, engineer, doctor, etc.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program? 

He will be sharpened in all areas of his character:  physically, academically, emotionally, and spiritually.  He will leave the program prepared to serve God.  He will learn what it means to ‘Seek Perfection, and Settle for Excellence.’

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?

The best way is to fill out the questionnaire found at:

http://athletics.wheaton.edu/prospective.aspx?path=wrest

Casperson, from St. George, Utah, was a member of the University’s first wrestling team. Casperson also served as an assistant wrestling coach at his former high school, Pine View High School in St. George, Utah, for two years. During those two years, the team was 33-8 in dual matches, finished as region runner-ups in 2005-06, and region champions in 2006-07. Two lower weight wrestlers, whom Casperson was in charge of coaching, placed third and fourth at the state tournament both years. Along with coaching at the high school level, Casperson also ran a little league wrestling program, several weeklong camps, and a free-style club in southern Utah.

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach? -Persistant, understanding, hardworking, goal oriented

2. What’s unique about the experience at your school? – Great LDS atmosphere, historical area, excellent education

3. What do recruits need to know about you? – Looking for someone that will commit for 4 years. Commit to the team and work hard

4. What do you look for in recruits? – passion on and off the field, listens, hard working

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process? – visit the campus, be honest with a coach

6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits? – When can I come?

7. What turns you off when you?re recruiting a student athlete? – Only cares about the money

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at? – Creating excellent student-athletes who are outstanding role models for children and also becoming an all-american.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?  – We are young and they can begin their own legacy here. 

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you? – email or call

Joe D’Agostino
Assistant Coach

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?
Young, energetic, rising

2. Whats unique about the experience at Merced College?
As junior colleges go it is one of the best all around and most affordable options to keep the D1/D1AA dream alive.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?
As a staff we will provide not only a good football program but the academic support needed for our kids to transfer on (49 D1 signees in the last 15 years).

4. What do you look for in recruits?
Good people with a love for the game.

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process?
With recruiting at the junior college level it is a long and there are a lot of mis-information out there.

6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?
The more questions the better because it shows they are interested in exploring their best options.

7. What turns you off when you?re recruiting a student athlete?
Non-call backs/calls with no messages…not being honest about intentions once a decision is made.

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at?
Providing a cost effective alternative with high levels of exposure and competition.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?
Our staff has a lot of four year ties, strong academic support program, and great facilities.

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?
via cell (916) 606-3483 or email CoachDags@att.blackberry.net