Athletes coached about college

Charles Shelton wants a full scholarship to play football at a Division I college.

But in case that doesn't work out, the second-team all-District defensive back and junior at Richmond's John Marshall High School is exploring other options.

This week, he learned that with his good grade-point average and early preparation, he'll have them.

Several area coaches gave about 100 student athletes and parents a quick tutorial in college sports recruitment and scholarship money.

The event Thursday night at Huguenot High School was sponsored by the Greater Richmond Area Scholarship Program.

"Don't place limits on yourself," Josh Scarbrough told students. "But you have to be realistic."

. . .

Scarbrough, a former college coach, is director of baseball at the Richmond Indoor Sports Experience and a scout for the New York Yankees.

He explained that athletic ability isn't enough to get into a NCAA Division I school; all require on-time graduation, at least a 2.0 grade-point average and SAT or ACT scores that match the GPA on a sliding scale. But schools in other divisions may not be as strict.

With research, students can find a school compatible with their needs and talents. Scarbrough encouraged students to make lists of possible matches for their academic and athletic skills. Then it's show time.

"Pick up the phone and call a college coach," he said. "They're looking for responsible young men and women to be part of their programs."

"You've got to be good, but you've got to be in the right program with the right coach," said Tim O'Sullivan, men's soccer coach at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Athletic ability is paramount, academics a close second. But other factors are considered when recruiting players.

Ginny Doyle, assistant women's basketball coach at UR, said, "We call and ask questions. How motivated are they? How are they as a teammate?"

. . .

Paul Keyes, baseball coach at VCU, put it simply. "We all want people who are low maintenance."

Realistically, the odds of a career in professional sports are almost nil, UR women's soccer coach Peter Albright cautioned students, so they need to think about the real reason to attend college.

"Ninety-nine percent of you are going to be there for the education," Albright said.

The information session was conceived by Richmond schools' guidance specialist Beverly Mountain, who has watched students struggle while searching for college playing opportunities.

"We've often found they have misconceptions," she said. "We want to make sure everyone understands the process."

Keith Crawford, a sophomore at Huguenot High, was surprised to learn how much work he'd have to put into the process of getting a scholarship.

"I didn't think you had to do anything," he admitted.

Sherry Moore, Charles Shelton's mother, said the 75-minute program was useful. "I've wondered what I need to do. Where do I start? I'm just learning, but I'll do anything to help him get into school and attain his goals in life."

Contact Lisa Crutchfield at (804) 649-6362 or .