For those of you who missed last week’s show, you might want to go to www.RantRadioNetwork.com to check it out.

My guest last week, VJ Stanley, sent me a link to information given by the NCAA regarding the number, amount, and distribution of athletic scholarships. This information is as of September of 2011.

http://www.ncaa.org/wps/wcm/connect/public/ncaa/pdfs/2011/2011+probability+of+going+pro

I kidded VJ about the credibility of the information since softball wasn’t included.  But please note, this information if directly from the NCAA.  I think it’s great if your son or daughter should be able to get an athletic scholarship and an opportunity to play in college.  But it is not all glamor and glitz.  There are many factors to consider.  Time away from home and family; limited social life (if any); taxation on your body due to many hours without sleep to get caught up on homework, etc.  Here are a few more links to articles in a New York Times series published back in 2008.

 It’s Not An Adventure, It’s a Job!

Expectations Lose to Reality of Sports Scholarships

Recruits Clamor for More From Coaches with Less

Again, I think it’s fantastic if you can gain an athletic scholarship.  But before you go out and start dragging your kid around to several different instructional coaches, sign up for a travel or club team, and buy that big box of cigars, you might want to sit down and look at the real price of getting that scholarship.  I’ve known players who have received scholarships both full ride and partial.  Many love the experience.  But there are many also who choose to give up their scholarship because the demands placed on them were to great to bear.

Keep those grades up.

Coach Mike