NCSA College Athletic Scholarships Blog

NCSA recently received feedback for the College Coach’s Corner from Carleton College’s Baseball Coach, Aaron Rushing:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I am relaxed, more a teacher than a yeller, and I have very high expectations of our players.  I push them hard and try to get them to see where they can push themselves even more.  We focus on the fundamentals, throwing strikes and playing good defense.  I expect our players to be exceptional baseball players and highly committed, but I expect our players to take advantage of all the opportunities available at Carleton.

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

I would argue that we provide the best combination of baseball, academics, and student life in the country.  We are competitive in one of the top conferences in Division III.  We are a top 10 liberal arts college.  Our players are able to experience “college” and all that Carleton has to offer.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

Most importantly, I care about the players.  I want them to succeed on and off the field.  We have a team GPA over 3.3, and our guys do amazing stuff off the field.  I am going to support your non-baseball interests more than just about any other coach.  One of our guys did a health care service project in Africa last summer, another won a Fulbright, and most study abroad during the fall or summer at least once in their career.  Close to 10% of our players are pre-med.  We have several two-sport athletes as well.  I’m not going to try to run your life off the field.  I expect great commitment and effort when we’re together, but I want you to pursue your other interests as well.  We have just one rule: do the right thing.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

I want the player who wants to win a championship without sacrificing academics.  I place a priority on competitiveness, athleticism and a great arm.  Our guys need to be able to throw, run and hit, and be committed to getting the absolute best education they can get.  Our ideal guy is a Division I player who is not willing to sacrifice academics to play at that level.

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

Have a transcript and video ready for coaches.  Also, be proactive in the search so that you get a good idea of what you are looking for.

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

Questions about what the college athlete experience will be like.  I want guys who want to spend more time with the players than with me.  The players are the ones who can tell you about being a student-athlete.  As a coach, I have a feel for where they will fit on the baseball field, but they’ve got to be a fit with their teammates and the school.

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

Guys who have not done any research on their own and have no idea what they are looking for.  I need guys who are self-starters.  Carleton is one of the most challenging colleges in the country and our guys have to be able to balance academics and athletics.  If the academic part of the college search is not a priority, they will not be a good fit.

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

Giving our players a great college experience. Our guys compete and have fun.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

Unique opportunity to play for a competitive program while getting the best college education in the world.

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

Email me and fill out our online questionnaire:

http://www.frontrush.com/Templates/FRGeneral/Carleton/MBaseball/SubmissionForm/carletonmbaseball.html

I will also want a skills video and a copy of their transcript.

NCSA caught up with Coach Pavlow from Pennsylvania State University–Abington and here is what he says about his program.

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I would say that I am a player’s coach.  I give our guys a great deal of responsibility and a great deal of lee way. When things are going well the players are pulling their own weight and “pushing  in the same direction.”  When things are not going well, the coaches have to make sure that the team has the direction to gather themselves, regroup, and go about things in the manner that is expected of them.  I believe I am understanding of the the pressures and time constraints of the college student at a Division III program, but I always take the commitment that each player made to the program very seriously.  I feel my job is to make sure that the team remains the primary focus over an any individual.  I love this game more than words can express, and each of the players in our program will enjoy themselves because my coaches and I try to keep the game as much fun as possible.  I try never to lose sight of the fact that the game has to remain fun.  That is why I love it.  That is why the players love it.  When it is played with this type of passion is usually when baseball is played at it’s most successful level.

2. What do recruits need to know about you?

That I am an honest hard working guy that is going to be concerned with their well being and education.  This is a student first program where education is paramount.  As a college student, I believe that there are valuable lessons to be learned on the baseball diamond, as well as in the class room.  Our program preaches hard work and the constant desire to get better. I believe loyalty is one of the most important qualities an individual can have, and I try to promote this as often as possible.  I am going to demand that the players treat each other, themselves, and the game with respect.

3. What do you look for in recruits?

Make-up.  This is not always easy to see, but if a player demonstrates good character he is someone I want in my program.  On a purely physical level, I am looking for pitchers in the 75+ range.  This ideally is coupled with decent command, the ability to throw an off speed pitch or two, and mound presence.  For position players I am looking for speed, and defensive ability above all else.
4. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process?
Research.  Use the internet and the schools website as a tool to find out as much about that program as you can.  Roster size, roster turnover, the number of players at your position, does the coach share playing time, etc. This information is out there on each school’s website.  If I was a recruit I would do my homework and know from reviewing the website what questions I wanted to ask a coach that was interested in me.
5. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?
I want recruits to ask me what I see as being the negatives of the Penn State Abington.  This allows me to discuss where our program is and more importantly where our program is going.  I believe that one of our major strengths at PS Abington is that we are aware of what we need to do to make our program a better experience for our athletes, and these shortcomings are all being addressed.  When a recruit comes to Penn State Abington, I want them to feel comfortable that they have made an informed decision about the school, the classes, the coaches, the campus, etc.  I take pride in the fact that an athlete will never say to me, “Coach, this isn’t what you told me this was going to be.”

6. What turns you off when you are recruiting a student athlete?
I am looking to recruit player’s that have excellent character.   One of the things that I use as an indicator of a recruit’s character and makeup is their ability to handle failure.  This game is easy to play when your team is up by 5 runs, or you are 3-4 with a few RBI’s.  As player’s grow they will inevitably go through periods when they will struggle.  It is in these periods that a player’s character is revealed.  I don’t go to recruit a player and hope that they struggle, but if their team or if they personally are having a bad day I look at this as an opportunity to evaluate that player’s character.  I am turned off  by player’s who come across as a me-first guy.
7. What do you think your program is the most successful at? Developing long lasting relationships.  Our players enjoy each other and forge friendships that seem as if they will last a long time.  I keep in contact with the majority of players who have graduated from our school, and view them as being permanent members of the program.  We spend months with each other every spring and the bond that develops is extremely rewarding. We prepare and then compete as one unit and the student athletes that stay for four years are part of what will ultimately be a wonderful tradition.
8. Why should a recruit consider your program?
Our program should be attractive to prospective student-athletes that are looking for an opportunity to help establish a baseball program.  We have a young program with opportunities for early playing time.   At Penn State Abington, our current recruits will be leaving a legacy that goes deeper than most.  Our student-athletes are defining what our program will be for the foreseeable future.

9. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?
I can be reached by email at jzp11@psu.edu.  Any inquiry will be answered in a timely fashion.  An interested recruit can also download our recruit questionnaire and fax it back to me at 215-881-7450.

Coach Clark from Denison University spent some time talking about his program.  Here is what he had to say:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

High energy, knowledgeable, passionate.

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

A great education while competing at a high level

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

I have coached 17 players in 7 years that have gotten signed or been drafted.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Talent, coachability, effort

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

Visit campus, consider schools that they may have not considered before.

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

Who else is being recruited, where do you see me, how can I help your program?

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

When a player thinks he is better than he actually his

8. Why should a recruit consider your program?

Chance to compete at a high national level, be successful and get a chance to stand out

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

email: clarkm@denison.edu.

questionaire

phone call

NCSA recently received feedback for the College Coach’s Corner from Loras’ Baseball Coach, Daniel Wellik:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

Personable, demanding, and understanding.  As a younger coach it is easy for me to relate to players, as not too long ago I was in their shoes.  I expect alot out of my athletes and in turn hope they expect alot out of me.  We are all together for common goals so we hold each other accountable.  I feel that I expect alot but am fair in doing so.  I also understand that sometimes things don’t go as planned and being able to adapt is one of my strengths.

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

First and foremost, Loras College is a wonderful place with great people.  The people are what makes Loras, you will not find a friendlier atmosphere where young people turn themselves into responsible adults.  It is a great place to learn and grow at.  A few things other things to note would be that we are a smaller school (enrollment 1800) and that we are a laptop computer campus in which every student receives a computer and where technology is used in the classroom on a daily basis.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

We are here to help you become who you want to be.  As cheesy as the NCAA television commercials are about student-athletes going pro in other things than sports, it is true.  There are so many things outside of baseball that we try to help our athletes with.  From internships, to studying abroad, to learning important things about life in general.  We try to teach our kids how to be most importantly good people who will be good husbands, fathers, and members of their community.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Ability is the first thing that most coaches look for and so do we, we want kids that can help us win.  Second, we look at the person academically usually over a 3.0 gpa and 20 act.  There are also other things like character, internal drive, and we want kids that want to be at Loras not kids that want to be somewhere else.

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

Be honest with themselves and with coaches.  Always keep the lines of communication open and let coaches know if you are or are not interested.  Coaches would rather hear no than not hear anything at all.  Also, look at what the school is offering you and ask yourself if that is what you want.  We have had kids who have picked other schools when they don’t have their majors.

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

I like to hear questions about goals we have for our program and the future.  I also like questions about what we see in them as players.  It gives them a good idea about how much we are interested.

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

When they don’t respond.  If I contact a young man and they don’t respond in a reasonable amount of time, it frustrates me becasue I don’t know if they are not interested or are.

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

I feel like we are successful in instructing and teaching the game of baseball the right way.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

The opportunity to play with outstanding teammates, be coached by outstanding coaches, and receive a degree that will set them up for success for the rest of their life.

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

Email me at daniel.wellik@loras.edu or they can go to our baseball webpage at www.duhawks.com and fill out a prospective athlete questionnaire.

College Coach’s Corner: MacMurray College’s Baseball Coach, Fred Curtis

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

Believer in the importance of executing and doing the “little things” well.

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

Classes ONLY 4 days aweek!

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

That they will be treated fairly and given equal opportunity to play! All playing time is based on performance.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Quality student-athletes! Sound baseball skills. Good character, team players, ability to get along with others, coachable, positive attitude, mental toughness, goal-oriented, passion to play and compete.

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

Make application to the school and get FASA info. to the school!

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

Any questions the recruit would like to ask that they feel is important for them to know weather it be about me or anything related to our program.

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

Failure to inform me about their REAL interest in our school within a reasonable amount of time. Failure to answer phone calls or to return messages.

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

Showing special interest and concern for the overall success of our players both in the classroom and on the baseball field.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

Great opportunity to get a quality education and a great opportunity to play and compete in college baseball. Be exposed to a college campus with many friendly and caring people who will do what the can to help you be successful.

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

Please call me at 217-479-7153 or e-mail me at fred.curtis@mac.edu

Coach Rosen from Capital University shared a few words about his program with NCSA.

1. What do you look for in recruits?  Our staff looks for young men who combine high academic achievement, strong character, and the baseball skill to play at our level.  We must be confident that a young man will be able to handle the academic challenges of our university.  Otherwise, recruiting him is not a good use of our time and resources.  He also must be a quality young man, who will represent our program and our university in the appropriate way.  If those two things meet our standards, we will then evaluate his baseball abilities to see if he would be a benefit to our program on the field.  Our baseball needs will change from season to season based on our teams strengths and weakness, but our standards for academics and character will remain consistent and will not be compromised. 

2. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process?  Get informed.  I encourage all recruits to gain as much information on as many schools as they can.  The more information you have available, the more informed your final decision will be.  Talk to coaches, former and current players, check school websites, meet faculty members, etc.  Also, go visit as many schools as possible.  You get a much different feel when you are actually on a campus versus looking at a website or talking with a school representative.

3. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?  I like recruits to ask me questions about things not related to baseball.  I want to recruit young men who are interested the academics of my school as much as the baseball.  Every recruit that I talk with is obviously interested in playing baseball.  To be successful in college however, a student-athlete must put as much time and effort into school as he does for baseball.  Young men who bring that enthusiasm for school will ultimately be successful at the university, even if they are not on the ball field.  I want to recruit student-athletes that come here for the right reasons, not just to play ball.

4. What turns you off when you are recruiting a student athlete? We place a lot of importance on the character of every young man that we recruit.  We watch how guys act during games, after games, and when we have them on campus.  We want to see how they interact with teammates, coaches, and their parents.  Do guys enjoy playing with them?  Do they respond well to their coaches?  These are things that are good signs of how they will fit in if they enter our program.  The absolute biggest turn off for us is seeing a young man disrespect his parents.  If we ever see that, whether it is at the ball field or in our office during a recruiting visit, we will no longer recruit that young man.  In my opinion, that is not acceptable behavior, and it is also a sign of other character issues.
5. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you? Like most coaches, we try our best to get out and see as many kids play as we can.  We attend showcases, tournaments, and games year round.  We want to see a young man play before we begin the recruiting process so that we know if he will be a good fit in our program.  I would advise a recruit to contact us (preferably by email) letting us know of his interest in our program and also providing a schedule of games or showcases he will be attending.  That will begin communication, and hopefully we can inform the recruit of a date we can get out to see him play.  Any video clips are also helpful in allowing us to evaluate a player.

National Letter of Intent:

The Signing Period ends on August 1st. This is the last 31 days for a student-athlete in the following sports to secure an athletic scholarship to a DI or DII program: Field Hockey, Soccer, Track & Field, Cross Country, Swimming, Baseball, Softball, Tennis, Volleyball, Lacrosse, Wrestling, Ice Hockey, and Water Polo.

Visits:

Remind student-athletes to take time to visit college campuses over the summer months. Plan to visit colleges around summer tournaments, games and family vacations. Reach out to the coach prior to visit, do not just show up on campus and hope the coach is available.

If a student-athlete is a top tier recruit, the unofficial visit during the summer may be the vital key in securing their scholarship offer and spot in the team. Majority of DI and DII program intend on having the recruiting done as early as possible. This also includes top level DIII and NAIA programs.

Camps:

All student-athletes should attend a few camps, combines and/or showcases throughout the summer months in order to get evaluations of their skill set, stay conditioned, compile additional video and get exposure.

Reminder: Don’t plan on getting discovered, prepare to get evaluated!

JULY RECRUITING CALENDARS

Men’s Basketball, Women’s Basketball:

• July 1-5 Quiet Period

• July 6-15 Evaluation Period

• July 16-21 Dead Period

• July 22-31 Evaluation Period

Football: Quiet Period.

Baseball, Softball, Volleyball, Men’s Lacrosse,

Women’s Lacrosse, Cross Country/Track and Field: Contact Period

PHONE CALLS:

Juniors, 2011 Grads (Division I):

1. Men’s Basketball, Men’s Ice Hockey: DI – 1x per month.

2. Women’s Basketball: DI – 3x in July (max one per week).

3. Women’s Ice Hockey: DI – 1x per week starting July 7th.

4. All Other Sports EXCEPT Football: DI – 1x per week starting July 1st.

Juniors, 2011 Grads (Division II):

1. All Sports: 1x per week.

Sophomores, 2012 Grads (Division I):

1. Men’s Basketball: DI – 1x per month (includes letters/emails).

2. Men’s Ice Hockey: DI – 1x per month (includes letters/emails).

3. Women’s Ice Hockey: DI can call Internationals 1x from July 7-31.

JULY RECRUITING TIPS

Football: End of June and the beginning of July is the best time during the summer to reach out to coaches, as coaches’ head out for vacation in July and August to get ready for pre-season.

Fall Sports: Recruits should reach out to coaches during June and July, as fall sports will be getting ready for their seasons in August.

!!!ALERT: DI coaches are always recruiting and looking at athletes, however, at this point in the recruiting process there is not always a spot available or money tied to that spot. Seniors this late need to look at walk-on spots, junior colleges and understand that they may need to tryout.

College Coach’s Corner: Marietta College’s Baseball Coach, Brian Brewer

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

“Old School” with a twist.  Big on discipline, playing the game the right way, but ultra competitive.  My door is always open and we feel we are one big happy family but we do believe in tough love.

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

Big college baseball environment in a small school atmosphere.  “Big fish small pond.” Our alumni and community support is outstanding.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

I am not the easiest guy in the world to play for, nor is this the easiest program to play in. We will demand your best every time out (i.e. weight room, practice session, classroom, social settings, games, etc…..)  We, as a staff, our demanding.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Good kids from good families who can play the game. You must have the ability to get it    done academically and athletically at this level.  We like young men who are super competitive and play hard on the field but perfect gentleman off.

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

Application for admission and financial aid forms

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

Do you think I can play for you?

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

I hear you over recruit and how many other guys are you bringing in at my position?

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

Helping young men grow into mature and productive citizens.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

If getting a great education and playing for National Championships is important to you check it out, if not we wish you the best.

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

Call me at the office (740)376-4517 or email brewerb@marietta.edu

NCSA caught up with Coach Henricks at Manhattan Christian College where his baseball team just won the Central Region Championships.  Here is what coach has to say about his program.

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?
A MAN OF CHARACTER WITH AN INTEREST IN TEACHING LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES THROUGH THE GAME OF BASEBALL

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

WE ARE A BASEBALL MINISTRY.  WE WANT TO REACH YOUTH THROUGH OUR BASEBALL ABILITIES AND HELP THEM MAKE GOOD LIFELONG DECISIONS

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

WE ARE A CHRISTIAN COLLEGE THAT WILL ALLOW THEM TO REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL AS A BASEBALL PLAYER AND CHRISTIAN LEADER

4. What do you look for in recruits?

STRONG CHARACTER AND WILLINGNESS TO LEARN AND BE THE BEST MAN THEY CAN BE USING BASEBALL AS A LEARNING PLATFORM

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

COMMUNICATE AND LISTEN—THE TWO MOST UNDER UTILIZED SKILLS IN AMERICA

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

WHAT ARE THEIR GOALS IN LIFE AND HOW DO THEY WANT TO USE THEIR COLLEGE EXPERIECE TO REACH THEM

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

POOR CHARACTER AND SELFISH BEHAVIOR

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

PREPARING YOUNG MEN TO BECOME OUR COUNTRY’S FUTURE LEADERS

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

WE ARE DEVELOPING LEADERS.  THEY WILL NOT ONLY BECOME A MORE SKILLED BASEBALL PLAYER, BUT THEY WILL ALSO BECOME A BETTER HUSBAND, FATHER, CO-WORKER, AND SERVANT LEADER.

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

EMAIL, FACEBOOK, PHONE, OR WHATEVER IS AVAILABLE TO THEM.  WE ARE HERE TO SERVE THEIR INTEREST IN BECOMING BETTER

Coach Fred Curtis just finished up his fourth season at MacMurray College.  He sat down with NCSA and talked about his program.

1.How would you describe yourself as a coach?  Disciplined, Competitive, Fundamentalist, Hardworking,

Believer in the importance of executing and doing the “little things” well.
2. What is unique about the experience at your school? Classes ONLY 4 days aweek!

3. What do recruits need to know about you? That they will be treated fairly and given equal opportunity to play! All playing time is based on perforrmance.

4. What do you look for in recruits? Quality student-athletes! Sound baseball skills. Good character, team players, ability to get along with others, coachable, positive attitude, mental toughness, goal-oriented, passion to play and compete.

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process? Make application to the school and get FASA info. to the school!

6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits? My expectation of players? Opportunity of playing time? Squad depth? Any questions the recruit would like to ask that they feel is important for them to know weather it be about me or any thing related to our program.

7. What turns you off when you are recruiting a student athlete? Failure to inform me about their REAL interest in our school within a reasonable amount of time. Failure to answer phone calls or to return messages.

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at? Showing special interest and concern for the overall success of our players both in the classroom and on the baseball field.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program? Great opportunity to get a quality education and a great opportunity to play and compete in college baseball. Be exposed to a college campus with many friendly and caring people who will do what the can to help you be successful.

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you? Please call me at 217-479-7153 or e-mail me at fred.curtis@mac.edu