Broken Arrow High School Athletics
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Young athletes urged to get their academics in order - early
By: Doug Quinn, Sports Editor
04/07/2008
Updated 04/07/2008 07:54:55 AM CDT
NCAA recruitment process lengthy, Spavital says
When Steve Spavital discovered several Broken Arrow High
School football players didn't qualify to play at the NCAA
level, he took it personally.
The BAHS assistant head coach/defensive coordinator went
on a mission to educate, not only his players, but all athletes
and administrators in the system.
Spavital compiled a 29-page handbook, that outlines the
steps youngsters need to follow if they want to play college
sports, not just football.
It covers the educational requirements and the NCAA's
clearinghouse process "just to qualify" for an NCAA school
- Divisions I and II and what is required in the recruiting
process.
Spavital has a Power-Point presentation he will make
Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at a parents meeting for incoming
eighth-grade through high school players at the BAHS
cafeteria.
"What most may not realize is the process doesn't start in 11th or 12th grade," Spavital
said. "When it comes to grades, colleges can go back to what a young person made in
his or her classes as a freshman."
ACT and SAT scores are key components and test dates through June 2009 are
included.
Spavital outlines core course requirements, that have been raised from 14 to 16 for
NCAA Division I schools, and steps parents and players must follow just to be recruited.
"There are very strict rules and guidelines the schools and athletes must follow,"
Spavital said. "It's very important to get started early in this process and stay on top of it."
Spavital launched his campaign this winter after learning several BAHS football players
didn't meet NCAA criteria.
"That really bothered me," he said. "Hopefully, we won't have that happen again."
He began researching on-line and making telephone inquiries of NCAA representatives.
"There were a lot of things I didn't realize," Spavital said. "What we have (in his stapled
handbook) is just the tip of the iceberg."
Spavital said he will distribute his findings to counselors and administrators throughout
the BA school system.
©Neighbor Newspapers 2008
By: Doug Quinn, Sports Editor
04/07/2008
Updated 04/07/2008 07:54:55 AM CDT
NCAA recruitment process lengthy, Spavital says
When Steve Spavital discovered several Broken Arrow High
School football players didn't qualify to play at the NCAA
level, he took it personally.
The BAHS assistant head coach/defensive coordinator went
on a mission to educate, not only his players, but all athletes
and administrators in the system.
Spavital compiled a 29-page handbook, that outlines the
steps youngsters need to follow if they want to play college
sports, not just football.
It covers the educational requirements and the NCAA's
clearinghouse process "just to qualify" for an NCAA school
- Divisions I and II and what is required in the recruiting
process.
Spavital has a Power-Point presentation he will make
Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at a parents meeting for incoming
eighth-grade through high school players at the BAHS
cafeteria.
"What most may not realize is the process doesn't start in 11th or 12th grade," Spavital
said. "When it comes to grades, colleges can go back to what a young person made in
his or her classes as a freshman."
ACT and SAT scores are key components and test dates through June 2009 are
included.
Spavital outlines core course requirements, that have been raised from 14 to 16 for
NCAA Division I schools, and steps parents and players must follow just to be recruited.
"There are very strict rules and guidelines the schools and athletes must follow,"
Spavital said. "It's very important to get started early in this process and stay on top of it."
Spavital launched his campaign this winter after learning several BAHS football players
didn't meet NCAA criteria.
"That really bothered me," he said. "Hopefully, we won't have that happen again."
He began researching on-line and making telephone inquiries of NCAA representatives.
"There were a lot of things I didn't realize," Spavital said. "What we have (in his stapled
handbook) is just the tip of the iceberg."
Spavital said he will distribute his findings to counselors and administrators throughout
the BA school system.
©Neighbor Newspapers 2008
| STEVE SPAVITAL |
