What should we tell the wrestling coaches?

<p>Hello--I last posted here in May, seeking advice about my son's prospects for college wrestling. He has since been contacted by three Div. 3 coaches, and we go to visit the first tomorrow. I'm not sure if posting their identity here could affect his chances? But my main question is, how much should we tell each coach about the interest of other coaches? On the one hand, I could see it as a form of leverage. On the other, perhaps the coaches will think my son isn't truly committed to their school and cross him off the list?</p>

<p>I have also learned about recruiting showcases from a helpful New York Times article posted here, and I wonder if anyone knows of any this summer for wrestling (other than Bruce Baumgartner's camp, which my son will attend). </p>

<p>Thanks to everyone! We're pretty excited around here....</p>

<p>It seems to me that the coaches would just assume you're checking out multiple colleges and talking to other coaches.</p>

<p>They will probably ask you which other schools you are looking at. Be honest. They'll also be looking for clues about where they rank on your list ... as you should be looking for clues about how you rank on their list.</p>

<p>It's a strange dance!</p>

<p>It's Ok to say that you are very interested in schools A b and c but you haven't decided which is your first choice. You should also know what you are looking for in a school -- probable major area, size of school, rank of team, rank of school academics, location of school etc. and be able to articulate it!</p>

<p>My son did this two years in a row. During the second go-round, after graduating from public school and before his PG year, the coaches commented how focused and mature he seemed compared to the rising seniors that were visiting. I think it was practice! So my advice is -- figure out the answers to the questions above and PRACTICE!</p>

<p>thanks so much. from the phone conversations, it was the coaches so far who have done all the talking. I hadn't given much thought to what my son should say. I'd better jot down some notes!</p>

<p>My S was recruited for DIII in a different sport - but some of the questions you may want to ask include--time committment, for example, travel time to meets, how often will classes be missed, is there an expectation to be on campus while other students are on break, etc.
For track and field my S. found a very broad range of facilities and other sport's related resources from school to school. Most of the coaches offer the opportunity to stay overnight and interact with the team, also an opportunity to learn more about the coaches style.
Good Luck. Enjoy the process! Your S potentially has a great shot at winding up at a top choice school.</p>

<p>Tell them the absolute truth. Most of the coaches, especially in Div. 3 are friends.</p>

<p>Agree with Mini. I know that when my son was talking to the ****** coach, the coach actually quoted a conversation he had had with another coach who was recruiting my son, ABOUT my son! I have also heard of a coach helping someone that he or she couldn't recruit, by passing their name along to other coach-friends. Be honest, but I guess be diplomatic as well. </p>

<p>It's too late for this visit, but the DiSalvo book, College Admissions for the High School Athlete, has a nice chapter on the visits, with sample questions to ask, etc. (the questions above were very good btw). You can also ask about rooming policies (athletes at some schools room together, at others not at least the first year) Good luck and have fun!</p>

<p>I'd say ask several questions, then after one or two answers go "Oh, really? Blahblah because the coach at University X said blahblah." To show you're comparing what the two schools are offering. That you're being proactive in choosing your university. Or maybe that'd be a bit juvenile? ><"</p>

<p>OK, here we go! I'll let you know what we learn....</p>