<p>Hi everyone,
I don't post very often, but enjoy reading the wealth of info on this board and was hoping for some feedback with our dilemma.
Our son, who is 3Q'd with a nomination, after much soul searching decided that after playing baseball since he was 5 would now go out for track. He has been on the Varsity baseball team and made the Varsity track team, but as far as the academy knows he would be playing Varsity baseball his senior year. What we were wondering is this something that you need to let the academy know? His reasons for the change are valid and we support his decision, just don't know if he needs to let the academy know or not? He has no problem writing USNA a letter and letting them know (his idea). Thanks in advance for any thoughts/words of advice with our dilemma.</p>
<p>Is he trying out for Varsity Track, or has he already been accepted?</p>
<p>He has already made the Varsity team.</p>
<p>I don't see why it would be a problem. He may want to send the letter in just so there are no surprises, but as for causing a problem? Nah.</p>
<p>The fact is that he is still pursuing varsit athletics. Heck, it may even be viewed as a plus because he's broadening his horizons, so to speak.</p>
<p>Varsity baseball and track, eh? Not bad. Not bad at all.</p>
<p>I would have him send a letter.</p>
<p>Kudos to your son for trying something new! Expanding his horizons, what a great idea!</p>
<p>Our son had a couple minor changes last fall to his app, similar to what you mentioned. First he called his BGO, who advised calling the regional admissions counselour. They informed any changes to ECA's, sports, classes etc.....must be in wriitng. I didn't see the final send off, but I do know he typed a note, included his candidate #, SSN & something along the lines of, 'Please make note of the following changes to my application.' I believe he had his college counselour at school sign off on it as well. <whether the="" na="" required="" that="" i="" don't="" know,="" he="" did="" all="" communication="" throughout="" app="" process="" solo,="" we="" weren't="" privey="" to="" details=""> He wanted to make sure all the bases were covered. No pun intended!</whether></p>
<p>Best of luck to your son in his new track career.</p>
<p>You say he is 3Q'd and has already made the Varsity team, is that correct? How is that possible? Is he already a mid?</p>
<p>I would beg to differ. Now mind you this is an example from USMA, but I'll bet it applies here. Our son's roomate came from a small town in PA and when the town found out he had been selected to attend West Point they held a parade, can you imagine? He was recruited to play baseball because he was the star on the team. Imagine his surprise when he reported and not long after was cut from the team! We had dinner one night at The Thayer not too long after he received the news and he was devistated saying he didn't know how he was going to tell his family and everyone that knew him, and there were a lot of folks that knew him in his town. He was learning a very valuable lesson that night at dinner. At West Point, he was just another cadet and was no longer the town hero.</p>
<p>Cheer your son on in his decision to try something new. He's not going on to a professional career in baseball and from the sound of things is sick and tired of it. Why not try something new? Sounds like he's gifted in many areas. Now is the perfect time for him to expand his horizons.</p>
<p>Good for you for rolling with this change! I can relate to your situation. You've been a baseball parent forever, got the yard sign, got the car decal, spent thousands of hours working the concessions with baseball parents, paid the bucks for the lessons, select team travel, etc. When the kid says enough, all you can do is grin and say "whatever you think is best, sweetie!" </p>
<p>He's a young man on his way and ultimately running is a better prep for r-day anyway. :)</p>
<p>as for the sending the letter part..good idea--i would suggest going ahead and just emailing the switch to the regional director. My regional director was very helpful in updating my candidate activities, and offered to do it straight through email. that might be a little easier, as it's going straight to the person who deals with your file.</p>
<p>i made the same decision this year. been playing baseball year round for my whole life and was just burned out. it became more of a job than a game. i decided to pick up tennis which for some reason came really easy to me and am getting to play in my first varsity tourney this friday!</p>
<p>I don't think this is really a big deal- unless he has been a active recruit for basketball and is now changing.... if that is the case, I would have your son communicate with the coach directly (if he is an active recruit, chances are there are regular converstations going on anyway).... you son should initiate the call if that is the case.</p>
<p>Asides from the coaches, I would second Zaphod in that the academy, as in admissions board, will be more concerned with the fact that he is participating in a sport, added points if it is on the varsity level, no matter what the sport is (well, considering it is a recognized sport not just freesbie)... </p>
<p>majormatt also makes a valid point...just because you are being recruited does not guarentee you:
1. a spot on varsity,
2. even a spot on JV
3. that you will get playing time if selected for either
4. that you will will even dress for the game</p>
<p>There are just too many factors that come into play...
the bottom line is for your son to pick a sport that he enjoys and has fun doing.... if he can excell while doing that , it is icing on the cake.... if he gets recruited, that's the nutty topping.... if he makes varsity at USNA, toss on some fruit.... and if he actually gets to dress and play....you've got the cherry on top!!!</p>
<p>one final thought....many of the kids come in with several sports under their belt.... and track will go a long way to getting him prepped physically for plebe summer, that is for sure!</p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>
<p>I just wanted to thank everyone again for all the responses! Son has already typed letter and is handling everything from his end and I am blowing dust off my camera and getting ready to take pics of boy in track uniform. Track mom verses Baseball mom.....I'm sure I'll get the hang of it!!</p>
<p>^^^^ LOL!!!!</p>
<p>It's when they add the 4th varsity sport that you really have to worry.... :eek:</p>
<p>2011USNA, The reason the Academy should be informed is due to the Candidate Activities Report which probably lists him incorrectly as playing baseball his 12th grade year. There are numerous references in the application package which state that all information must be "complete and accurate" to avoid jeprodizing possible admissions. A simple letter, or possibly an email to the area coordinator, stating his name and candidate number, asking them to delete baseball, 12th grade, and add track, 12th grade, will suffice. No other explanations are necessary.</p>