Athletics

<p>I’m gonna play girl’s soccer at the Academy and really excited about it. After visiting with other college coaches, i know that regular school teams begin training for the Fall season about 2-3 weeks before school, and the season, starts. I was wondering when training for the fall sports begins, particularly soccer?</p>

<p>Not sure exactly, but it will be AFTER BCT.</p>

<p>My daughter shoots competitively (Precision Rifle) with her JROTC at the school. Her team won the JROTC Eastern Region Championship and competed in the National Championship. We noted that the AFA has an NCAA Precision Rifle Team. I was wondering if she should contact the coach before she comes or just wait till she gets there.</p>

<p>Does anyone know if most football players are recruited or what percentage are walk ons?</p>

<p>It's not really a matter of recruited vs walkons. Remember; the academies don't give out athletic scholarships, so in theory they could bring in 100 freshman onto the football team. They won't keep them all, but that doesn't matter. Their primary goal is to bring in future air force officers. Therefor, if they happen to possibly be able to contribute to the team, that's gravy.</p>

<p>Having said that; directly after BCT, the football team has a walk-on weekend. They will let you know during BCT. Anyone is allowed to walk-on and try out. The only difference between a walk-on and a recruited athlete, is that they have stats, film, reports, etc.... of those players. They know already what these players can do and are capable of. They understand having a bad day and such. A walk-on on the other hand has it a little harder. You're starting off basically with a clean slate. They don't know you from Adam. Also, because of the recruited players, the coaches know what holes and depth they are looking for. A good example would be if you are walking on as a Quarterback. They've already recruited I believe 8 quarterbacks. So, unless you walk on water during walk-on, it's going to be real tough. On the other hand, I believe they are looking for some strong Cornerbacks. If that's what you are trying out for, you've got a much better chance.</p>

<p>But you need to be ready come walk-on. You won't have had any practice for more than 6-8 weeks probably. You will definitely be in shape from BCT, but you need to be ready. There's also another hidden factor. It's called the Pre-school. many athletes go to the prep-school prior to the academy. Many times it's because there is no Red-SHirt year. As such, the prep-school gives the academy an extra year to groom a potential player.</p>

<p>So, there really isn't a number of recruit vs walk-on vs prep-school type of number. Again, they are tied to the 18 +/- scholarships in recruiting that the NCAA has on most teams. There's no athletic scholarships, so they can bring in as many as they want. There is still the 62 dressing rule, but on the team doesn't matter. But, for what it's worth, in the past it is not uncommon to bring in around 60 players. About 20 will still be there their senior year. The new coaching staff is trying to reduce that attrition by recruiting less players, but those that are dedicated to sticking it out. Good luck to you.</p>

<p>Thanks for the info. Is there a JV team? Do you get to do ramps if you are on JV?</p>

<p>RifleGirlsDad: I sent you a PM, but YES, contact Coach Meili. She's great. Just make sure you include the grade you are in (er... your daughter is in) in that communication.</p>

<p>Yes, there is a JV team. That is where the majority of the freshman team will play on. Only a couple freshman actually make it directly on the varsity team. Sorry, but I don't understand what you mean by "Doing Ramps".</p>

<p>for the class of 2010, there was only 1 walk-on, and he quit at the end of freshman year. not sure about 2011</p>