Progam focuses on college recruiting

"Student-athletes and their parents can get an inside look and some insight into choosing a college at the “Realities of College Recruiting,” program coming to the Decatur High School on Dec. 15. The free program will start at 7:30 p.m. in the school’s gymnasium.Jack Renkens, a 22-year teacher, coach and administrator, conducts the program and discusses all aspects of becoming a student-athlete in college. He touches on such topics as the value of academics, unheard of opportunities: NCAA, NAIA and NJCAA regulations; how to interpret contacts from colleges and a four-year high school step-by-step reality process.Decatur Athletics Director Greg Flynn calls it the No. 1 educational program in America designed specifically for student-athletes.The programs are targeted at any ninth- through 12th-grader with the ambition of becoming a collegiate athlete. Renkens will address responsibilities, preparation, opportunities, finances and the truths and myths about the recruiting process.Among the questions Renkens will answer are:• What avenues are available for the non-recruited athlete?• Where do college programs obtain names and addresses for their recruiting pool?• How do you research schools that meet your academic and athletic interests and get into their recruiting pool?• What questions should you ask on the initial phone contact to locate your position in the recruiting pool?• What camps and clinics can you go to to maximize your exposure?"

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