NCSA College Athletic Scholarships Blog

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?
I am very intense and passionate towards coaching.  I have a huge investment with each kid and I lose when they lose and win when they win.  I coach with alot of emotion.
2. What’s unique about the experience at your school?  Iowa Central is a great place to coach and attend school.  We are in the hotbed of wrestling and the kids we coach have an opportunity to wrestle against D-1′s very best schools.  It doesn’t hurt that we have won 6 National Titles since 2002.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?  They should know that I say it as I see it.  I am very direct when talking about education and the commitment it takes to be a National Champion.  If they are not doing what needs to be done, I will let them know that.  I am very forward, however, I would do anything for the kids I bring in to Iowa Central.

4. What do you look for in recruits?  I look at past results and a certain style of wrestler.  I like kids with good conditioning who wrestle to the very end.  I want kids with good work ethic and are willing to compete when they have been beat.  I like 3rd place kids because they show that they will not shut down after losing.  I also like kids that are coachable and will listen to you.
5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process?  Take every visit they can and don’t commit to the first school.  It is also very important to fill out the FAFSA forms.  That will help with the financial part of school.
6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?
Can we train all year long?  Can I take summer classes?
7. What turns you off when you’re recruiting a student athlete?  When they ask how much money they can get.  It shows that they are worried more about money then the workout partners and competition we can provide them with.
8. What do you think your program is the most successful at?  3 things, all cockiness aside, winning National Titles, getting kids to Division 1, and getting them graduated. 
9. Why should a recruit consider your program?  If you wanna be in the best juco wrestling room in the country, jump on board!  We have proven in the last 15 years that we are the best program in the country.  Located where they can get the best of everything in wrestling.

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?  Go to Iowa Central website and surf through it.  All of the coaching contact information is in there.  Fill out a recruitment form or contact me personally by email.

Head Coach Brett Oleson is in his second season at Bacone College and will lead the warrior squad in the 2009-2010 season. Coach Oleson comes to Bacone after serving as the assistant wrestling coach at Waldorf College for the past three seasons. 1. How would you describe yourself as a coach? I would describe myself as a positive, energetic, and passionate coach. I take great pride in representing the Bacone wrestling team. I constantly strive to raise the bar on and off the mat to ensure the success daily in my student-athletes. 2. What?s unique about the experience at your school? Bacone students develop close relationships with coaches, faculty, and staff. Being a smaller college there are more opportunities available for students. We offer many different sports, clubs, and organizations both on and off campus to get students involved. Students can expect success the minute they step on campus. 3. What do recruits need to know about you? That I’m a caring and straight forward coach. I am constantly looking out for their best interest not only in wrestling but in life as a whole. If a student is one of my wrestlers, I care about his long term success as well. 4. What do you look for in recruits? Hard nosed kids that have the desire to better themselves in every area of their life. 5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process? Go to our website www.bacone.edu and apply on-line. It is located right on our homepage and is free! This gets the recruiting process started. You will start getting mail-outs and representatives of Bacone will be contacting you! 6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits? Where is the Academic Support Center located. 7. What turns you off when you?re recruiting a student athlete? Not showing interest, bad attitudes, Rude, you get the jist. 8. What do you think your program is the most successful at? Our program is most successful at using what you already do and polishing you up around the edges. We are not going to try and change your wrestling style, rather build around what you already do. 9. Why should a recruit consider your program? Because we have much to offer student athletes. We are in the process of renovating our weight room as well as the wrestling room, we have many different clubs and organizations that students can be apart of, we are a private school affiliated with the Christian church, and of course the WRESTLING PROGRAM! 10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?

By calling the wrestling office at 918-781-7369, going on-line to www.bacone.edu and filling out an on-line inquiry, or by emailing me directly at olesonb@bacone.edu

The entire NCSA family was ecstatic last night when the Green Bay Packers selected NCSA alum Bryan Bulaga with their first round draft choice.    Of course we were just as ecstatic when Bryan committed to Iowa four years ago and we recieved this note from his father.

Deon, Jenny & Matt,

Kathi and I want to extend our thanks to NCSA for the great job in getting Bryan’s name and profile out to D1 coaches. We are convinced that the efforts and guidance through NCSA led us down the path to the perfect ending. While it is true we could have extended the recruiting process through the summer, we believe Coach Ferentz and his staff are the perfect fit for Bryan. At first I never fully understood the phrase “Matching College Coaches with the right Student Athlete” but fully understand it today. This has been an interesting, eye opening and exciting process for all of us. More importantly, the demands placed on Bryan to submit monthly updates, fill out and return all questionnaires, respond to all requests for film and communicate effectively with coaches provided Bryan the opportunity for personal growth. Again, thanks to everyone at NCSA for making this a very positive and rewarding experience. Please feel free to contact us with any questions and below are the schools that offered scholarships to Bryan: Iowa, Michigan State, Michigan, Wisconsin, Purdue, Northwestern, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oklahoma State, Vanderbilt, Northern Illinois University & Eastern Michigan. Yeah I know, how do you say no to any of them. Bryan did so by calling each coach and speaking to them personally and advising them of his decision.

Joe Bulaga

Tony Islas joined the Knox College Wrestling program as head coach in 2001. In 2007, Islas coached Jaran Rutledge to a third-place showing at the NCAA Division III Championships. Rutledge became Knox College’s first All-American wrestler with his third-place effort at heavyweight. Rutledge, an alternate for the 2006 NCAA Championships, was the first Knox wrestler to compete at nationals since Tom MacMillan competed in the event in 1980.

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

As a coach I would describe myself as a very passionate and intense person.  I believe in everyone one of my athletes and their abilities.  The intense side of me comes in during the practices and competitions.  I want my wrestlers to be be the ones constantly pushing the pace, running back to the middle when there is a break in the action, and winning the small battles on the mat that demonstrate their ability to fight to the bitter end. 

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

The college itself is very unique place.  It is a very diverse place for it size.  As for the team itself, our uniqueness comes from our family like atmosphere.  We are a close knit group of wrestlers, we put any personal differences aside and sacrifice what is necessary for the greater good of the team.  We share in each other’s pain and in our triumphs. 

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

My recruits need to know that in my program they are not just a number but rather members of a family that (continues to slowly and steadily grow) sweats, trains, competes and has fun together.  In my program their abilities will make big differences in the practice room as well as in competition.  Lastly, they should know that I am very confident in my abilities as a coach/mentor who works tirelessly to help them achieve their academic and athletic goals. 

4. What do you look for in recruits?

I have two main requirements of my recruits.  The first quality I look for in a recruit is that they looking at college for the purpose of attaining the highest quality of education that can provide to them.  Preparartion is vital in today’s job market and I know for a fact that our students are extremely well prepared for their future career.  The second requirement is that they are not afraid to work hard, both in the classroom and on the mat.  Anyone that is willing to work hard can achieve anything they put their mind to.

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

The one thing that I think recruits need to do during the recruiting process is be up front and honest from the very beginning with coaches.  Coaches aren’t scared to hear the words, “Not interested,” or “I’ve decided to go elsewhere.”  What we don’t want to have happen is a waste of the recruits time or the coach’s time. 

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

Questions I like for the reuits to ask are:

1. What are your practices like?

2. Does everyone get a chance to wrestle off for a starting spot?

3. If your not a starter, how many matches do you get?

4. Where do I sign up?

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

The thing that turns me off about a recruit is when a student athlete that does not have attaining a college education as his first priority.  Guys have to remember that going to college does require that a formal education is received during these four-five years and that wrestling goals are and accomplishments are secondary.   

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

I know that my guys are the most successful at being boldly honest with one another and holding one another accountable for their actions and behvaviors, again both in the classroom and on the mat.  I believe that the wrestlers on the team work hard each and every day and expect one another to do the same, even if that means being brutally honest.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

I would say to a recruit, “Don’t consider my program at all!”  Don’t consider my program at all if; you are not interested in a  college education that prepares you for the future, don’t consider my program if working hard does not appeal to you, and lastly don’t consider my program if a strong relationship with your coach is not what you are looking for. 

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

Recruits can always email me.  I check that frequently and respond in a timely manner.  My email address.

tislas@knox.edu

Don Henry is a senior member of the Gannon Athletic Department, now entering his 26th season as the head wrestling coach. Henry was hired in 1984 to resurrect a Golden Knight wrestling program that had been discontinued since 1971. Henry’s work ethic and love of wrestling has elevated the Gannon program from its infancy to one that is now one of the best in Division II.

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach? Lead by example, love to compete.

2. What’s unique about the experience at your school? We are a small private Catholic University. We offer outstanding academic programs in selective areas.

3. What do recruits need to know about you? I still get on the mat hands on teacher coach, love to compete at everything, will challenge you to exceed your expectations.

4. What do you look for in recruits? I am looking for they type of wrestler who has something to prove, not someone who has already accomplished everything he desired

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process? Make contact with coaches at the schools they are looking at, Keep those coaches updated on your season. Eliminate the schools that do not offer the academic programs they are looking for, or do not have the wrestling atmosphere they are looking for.

6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits? How do you choose your starting line up? Can I still get good grades and wrestle.

7. What turns you off when you’re recruiting a student athlete? Lack of interest, excitement or eye contact.

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at? Combining academic and athletics. We graduate at a high rate, get good jobs.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program? They will not be a number or just a work out partner, We have a very wrestler friendly schedule, ie lots of tournaments ,

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

After serving as Augustana’s interim head coach for the 2007-08 season, Eric Juergens, a two time NCAA Division I national champion, was hired as the school’s full time wrestling coach on April 4, 2008. He heads into his third season at the helm of the Vikings in 2009-10. 

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach? 

Players Coach, like to hang out with them and talk about what’s going on in their lifes.  But also very competitive, don’t like to lose to them in anything.  

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

The size of the school makes for strong life time relationships with other students and professors. 

3. What do recruits need to know about you? 

Honest, fair, and will tell you the truth about what we are and what we want.  

4. What do you look for in recruits? 

The whole package, good person, strong academics, and solid wrestling skills with the burning desire to work hard and improve.  

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

Be open to all schools that contact you, don’t under estimate any program.  

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

How much time will we miss for class, this shows me that they are into their education too.  

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

When they tell me they will come or wrestle if the money is right.  

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

I think we are very good at developing kids.  

9. Why should a recruit consider your program? 

We have a strong academic program and in 5 of the last 7 years we have finish in the top 10 with 2 runner up finishes, 6 national finalist and 4 national champs and 31 all-americans.  

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

Email me from our website goaugie.com .

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach? I am much like an advisor, helping student-athletes get through not only wrestling, but life.  With the team, I have an open door policy, and they can contact me anytime.  My office at Concordia says “Wrestling Office”, because it is not my office, but the whole team.  I don’t want my name on it. Like to be behind the scenes.  A wrestling program is about the wrestlers and helping them grow.
2. What’s unique about the experience at your school?  The unique part of Concordia is the individual attention the Student-athletes receive in the wrestling room and in the classroom. Professors will know all the students by their first name, and we provide an excellent learning environment.

3. What do recruits need to know about you? Recruits need to know that we balance wrestling & academics, and I encourage all the wrestlers to graduate in four years.
4. What do you look for in recruits? Good character, positive attitude, strong desire to participate at Collegiate level, outgoing.

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process? Visit as many schools as possible.  Then when you make your choice, it is an informed decision.
6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits? “I have only wrestled 3 years, do you think that is OK for me to wrestle in college?”  ABSOLUTELY!  Much of your best wrestling may be ahead of you!

7. What turns you off when you’re recruiting a student athlete? When they say they want to wrestle in college, then don’t.  I personally feel the best years of wrestling are between the ages of 18-23.

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at? Graduating student-athletes, and giving them a great college experience.
9. Why should a recruit consider your program? Because I have graduated 10 starters in the last two years!

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you? Email:  bret.corner@cuw.edu or phone:  262.243.4486.I am happy to talk with all seniors interested in attending a 4-year University and participating in wrestling.

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

Positive, patient, demanding, passionate about my team and its players.

2. What is unique about the experience at your school?

Other than being the pickle capital of the world, great community support at a small college.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

I expect their best in all areas from day one.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Great desire to play the game, sincere personality, someone who consistently finds personal success.

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

Make sure the school you choose is a great fit in all areas of concern, would you still be happy there if soccer was taken away.

6. What turns you off when you are recruiting a student athlete?

Negative attitude and cynical play.

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

Bringing in great young ladies.

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

Email me directly.

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I’m very passionate about my family, my players, life and soccer! I never give up or lose my composure when things are bad or feel bad. I think that you can either control your attitude or your attitude controls you. The number of wins, trophies or championships, doesn’t make you a decent human being. I believe that the happiest people don’t necessarily have the best of everything; but make the best of everything they have.

2. What is unique about the experience at your school?

With an average class size of 25, the unique learning environment at Florida Tech provides athletes an atmosphere of teamwork and personal attention. Florida Tech is located along the Atlantic Coastline of Central Florida in Brevard County. This area is home to more than 5,000 technology companies and the nation’s 5th largest high tech workforce.

3. What do you look for in recruits?

I look for happy and driven student-athletes who want to challenge themselves both academically and athletically. I look for student athletes with very good test scores (SAT/ACT) and grade point average. I look for experienced and well-balanced soccer players with great technical skills who can impact the team as a freshman.

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

Florida Tech is most successful at providing student-athletes with exceptional educational and athletic opportunities. Florida Tech Women’s Soccer Team posted 16 players in the Sunshine State Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll this year and nine of them with a 4.0.

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

The best way for a recruit to reach out to me is by email fhaig@fit.edu.

This week the Obama administration has announced a major reversal of Title IX regulation.  The Bush era policy of allowing colleges to comply with a key federal gender-equity law by using electronic surveys to guage female students’ interest in playing sports.

Critics, including the N.C.A.A., argued that such surveys did not adequately measure women’s interest in college sports; supporters said they were a useful tool.

“The N.C.A.A. applauds the leadership of the Office of Civil Rights in rescinding the 2005 clarification and once again giving N.C.A.A. colleges and universities the opportunity to more accurately determine the interest in women’s athletics on their campuses,” Jim Isch, the N.C.A.A. interim president, said in a statement.

The N.C.A.A. had advised its members to ignore the 2005 rule and as a result, it was not widely used.

Institutions will now be permitted to use surveys only if they also use other measures to gauge student interest.