By Alan Yost
An unofficial visit is any visit to a college or university campus that is not funded by the college or university. Student-athletes are allowed an unlimited number of unofficial visits and should schedule these visits as early and often as possible, starting freshman year of high school. It can be hard to find time to take visits during wrestling season, so take advantage of the summer and fall months before season kicks into high gear.
Before you visit a college/university, you must call or email the wrestling coach to inform him that you are coming to campus for an unofficial visit, and would like to schedule a meeting. If you have a Virtual Tryout or DVD available, make sure you send it to the coach before your visit. Also, ask the wrestling coach if he recommends an admissions interview and tour of campus while you are on campus. Bring with a copy of your upcoming high school schedule and a list of any tournaments you will be attending. You should also bring a few color copies of your NCSA profile and your NCSA Game Plan for taking notes.
Typically, a coach will talk to you and your parents about their institution and wrestling program, and give you a tour of athletic facilities. If a coach has seen you wrestle, they may give you an indication of their level of interest. In some cases, verbal scholarship offers are extended on unofficial visits. If you know a coach has seen you wrestle, you should ask them where you stand amongst their recruiting class, and what they feel you need to work on in order to improve.
If you take the initiative to schedule an unofficial visit and you arrive with some knowledge about the school and a list of good questions, you are likely to move up on the coach’s list of potential wrestlers. Be proactive!!!
