<p>Kiddo- If I recall correctly, when the thorpedo was invited to the top recruits day at USMA there were about 40 other "top prostpects" there with him as well....and this was the third of such weekends..... the list was narrowed down considerably to about 20 or so top prospects..... </p>
<p>likewise, at USNA, there were about 50 or so athletes invited down to Annapolis....and that list narrowed down to about half.</p>
<p>At usmma, the list was narrow to start...about an even dozen...and stayed that way.</p>
<p>Remember, while each athlete is limited to 5 official visits under NCAA regs, the coaches are not limited to how many invites they can extend, expect by budget, and most big sports have big bottom lines.</p>
<p>You have to use caution here.
Remember, no matter how hard you try, you will hear what you want to hear- which is not always what is being said.
"we want you"..... yes, but to play? or to keep you off the team of the competetion? they want you and how many others?</p>
<p>"you will play"....when? as a freshman? after a year or two of JV? most sports are D-1 (USMA and USNA)....USMMA, a D-3 school, might give you more playing time if that is important to you.</p>
<p>"you will contribute"....again, when? year 1? or year 2, 3????</p>
<p>"You can definately contribute and you will definately play".....if this is the case, you will know because you will be hearing the exact same thing from a list of other top D-1 programs.</p>
<p>This is not my philosophy.... but something that made an impression on me, having attended several conferences on recruiting by D-1 coaches...this was their advice given to the hopefuls in thier sport.... and the auditorium was packed with kids from every HS, private school, community colleges and even local 4 year universities! </p>
<p>So what I am trying to say is this:</p>
<p>Look again at your motives for attending a service academy. Sports, while important, is a secondary consideration. Will you enjoy the program, the academy, without sports? Remember, you are just one injury away from hanging up your mit, football jersey, basketball shoes, track shoes, lax stick, soccer cleats and oar..... </p>
<p>Second, the academy is desiged to make you a leader in the service of the US of A.... not the next track star. Look in your heart as to where your goals lie.</p>
<p>Third, while a coach can help you get in (the extent of which has already been covered in all the above posts), they can't keep you in if you don't cut it. Several star athletes have been seperated despite thier stellar performances on the athletic fields.... </p>
<p>So again I stress, if the coach seems interested, that's great- go for it- but don't put all your eggs in that basket, and don't take their word as gospel. Lots can happen. See how fast their interest fades if they think they can get a kid from saint-elsewhere school that can shave a few seconds off your time....</p>
<p>like we cautioned the thorpedo time and time again, make sure you look at the schools/programs WITHOUT sports..... base your decision on that.... the sports is just the cherry on the top, but you gotta love the flavor of icecream that lies beneath it! </p>
<p>Best of luck! Focus on your academics!!! Give the admissions board ... and your coach....something to work with!</p>