Just the Beginning

Whether it be the University of Alabama or Jacksonville State University, putting ink on the paper is only the start of the process for signing college athletes.

As if the end of senior year is not stressful enough, college signees have to make decisions that will affect the rest of their lives. After working all season to show off to recruiters, the progress does not slow down until after their sports career is over.  

“Honestly unless you are a five star athlete it is stressful, you have to work for it and put yourself out there,” JSU signee Zach Cangelosi said. “ I work out twice a day, sometimes more, and I try to eat as much protein as possible. You have to continue working even after you sign.”

Recruiters are the key to playing for a college sports team. As a recruiter they look at thousands of athletes and pick the ones who will suit the team the best.

“The recruiting process is long and requires a lot of patience. Sometimes a recruiter will be there to see you strikeout twice, but won’t be there your next at bat to see you hit a homerun,” JSU signee Alex Strachan said. “My advice would be to control what you as a player can control. Play the game hard and the right way, and eventually you’ll be found by a school.”

The National College Athletic Association (NCAA) requires paperwork to be completed in order for high school athletes to even be recruited. Students must complete the paperwork on the College Clearinghouse website in order to be eligible to play Division I or II sports.

“It is nothing like the movies no one gets a full-ride [in the beginning], but partial scholarships are more likely, when you get there and start with the team you can earn a full,” Cangelosi said. “For the most part be ready to work hard and if you do that you’ll get something.”

Staying fit and in shape even in off-season is key for every student athlete especially college athletes starting with a new team in a new place. As high school athletes move onto college sports they push themselves a little more to prepare for their upcoming season.

“I condition regularly with the track team here, and three times a week, I go and get extra jump training,” UAH signee Daryl Bowden said. ” I probably do not eat as well as I should.”

Senior Alex Strachan suffered an injury this past February while playing baseball. Strachan collided with the first baseman on a bad throw and hyper-extended his knee after signing to play baseball for JSU next year. Jacksonville State was very understanding of how the accident happened. They said they would check in with the doctors and see how the recovery went along.

“My conditioning had consisted of going to practice and the gym every day, until tearing  my ACL,” Strachan said. “Since the injury all of my conditioning has come from physical therapy and trying to get back to playing health. When you can’t run or do any cardio nutrition becomes important so you can keep yourself in shape.”

After committing to a certain school, athletes must continue to work hard to ensure they get playing time on their new team.

“It can be stressful to worry about having a place to play or having to decide on a college. When that happens you just have to find a way to enjoy it and use some perspective,” Strachan said. “Understand that some people may not be getting the chance to play sports in college, so be appreciative of the opportunity that you’ve been given.”