Salute the Seniors Special Edition

Life Coach: Character Ward & Snow Understanding The Process You Play, You Pay

SALUTE THE

SENIORS #GREATNESS

EDITION

Everett Chevrolet would like to recognize Future Letterman Spencer Snow and Zion Ward.

1159 N 45th St, Springdale, AR 72762 EverettChevroletNWA.com

479.431.6554

IN THE HUDDLE WITH TRANDON L. MOY -Editor in Chief Letterman Magazine primarily focuses on “Academics, Sports, and Character.”

The magazine has a commitment to be a platform for high school athletes and provide a marketplace that will be beneficial for the magazine, the school’s athletic program, and the student-athlete.

Letterman Magazine spotlights high school sports through in-depth content such as interviews, game analysis, photographs, and video.

In addition to sports, we will host a number of events designed to promote goodwill, education, employment, and community beautification.

Graduation is nearing so what better way to end the school year than with a Salute to the Seniors! I decided to keep it short and sweet and thank everyone for the continued support.

Without God, family, friends and YOU I would not have the opportunity to provide one of the best high school sports publications in the nation. Much love and respect. #greatness Words of Wisdom: Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

The Team Editor in Chief:

Trandon Moy

Graphic Designer:

Jon Buckner Co-Editors:

Jerrie W. Moy Antonio L. Moy Chief Photographer:

James Lovell

Recruiting Expert:

Tommy Tabler

Contributing Writers:

Larry Perrin Vincent Tataglia Brandy J. Flynn Special Thanks:

Lavell Warren Kara Farrow Marcel Higgins Justin Evans Andre Gant CJ McLain Tina Moy Angelique & Jerry Ward Wanda & William Carr

On The Cover:

Bryan Grigsby Photo Credit: James Lovell

Academics, Sports, Character

GRAVETTE

LIONS

The Gravette Lions started out the 2014 season on rough note losing to Pottsville 36-10, during the first week of the season. Gravette followed up the Pottsville loss with three straight blow out wins over Mayflower, Jay, and Lincoln. Gravette would go on to play conference champion Pea Ridge very tight only losing 21-19. In the second annual Clash in the Ozarks, Gravette was able to shut out Gentry 40-0. Gravette would go on to make the playoffs losing to state power Warren. Senior running back Cedric Duarte had an excellent season rushing for 1,500 yards and scoring 22 touchdowns. In 2015, Coach Bill Harrelson will have some pieces of the puzzle to replace but Gravette should continue to play very well and push for another playoff birth.

GENTRY

PIONEERS

The Gentry Pioneers made a trip to the state playoffs in 2014. The Pioneers started out the season in a difficult fashion on the road against West Fork and Charleston. Both the Charleston and West Fork games got out of hand rather quickly which dropped the Pioneers to 0-2 early in the season. After a close loss to eventual conference champions Pea Ridge, Gentry picked up a 21-6 victory over Berryville. The Pioneers kept the momentum with a victory over Huntsville. Gentry would close out the season with a victory over Lincoln but with defeats to Gravette in the Clash in the Ozarks and to Pine Bluff Dollarway in the state playoffs. Gentry under Coach Brian Little last season was a difficult team for the opposing teams to play and should not be overlooked as we prepare for the 2015 season. Congrats to the Pioneers on another playoff berth during the 2014 season.

BENTONVILLE

TIGERS

The Bentonville Tigers once again were a state power. The Tigers won the 7A-State Championship in what would be Coach Barry Lunney’s final season. Bentonville opened up the 2014 season with four straight losses, which included losses to Kansas City Rockhurst, Broken Arrow, Bergen Catholic out of New Jersey, and Southside. Lunney would get the Tigers refocused and rip through the 7-A West in route to the State Title. Bentonville was led by running back/linebacker Hekill Keliiliki who will be playing on Saturdays in Stanford starting in 2015 and by one of the best kickers in the state Bennett Moehring who will be attending the Naval Academy. Bentonville suffered adversity during the early stretch of the season but responded the way champions do and capped Lunney’s final season with another state championship.

FAYETTEVILLE

BULLDOGS

The Fayetteville Bulldogs had a 2014 season that is simply becoming business as usual to them. Fayetteville posted a very impressive 13-3 record during the 2014 season and finished as State Runner-up to Bentonville in what is quickly becoming one of the top rivalry games in Arkansas. The victories during the season were impressive for Coach Daryl Patton’s bunch. Victories over North Little Rock, Southside, and Conway are sprinkled on the Bulldogs schedule from last season. Fayetteville was defeated by Bentonville in the State Championship but it was still an impressive season. Fayetteville High School continues to send football recruits to the University of Arkansas in the forms of Dre Greenlaw and C.J. O’Grady.

Greenlaw was very impressive on the defensive side of the ball and was a playmaker all over the field.

O’Grady turned into one of the most dangerous tight ends on the field with excellent hands and great route running. Look for Fayetteville to be strong once again in 2015.

HAR-BER

WILDCATS

The Har-Ber Wildcats underwent some growing pains and took some losses during the 2014 season. The Wildcats had some bright spots in 2014 which involved another playoff appearance for head coach Chris Wood. Defensive tackle Rickey Dobbins, was a highlight for the Wildcats all season long. Dobbins anchored a young but talented defense. Dobbins has committed to the University of Central Arkansas and should become a solid player for UCA. Har-Ber finished out the 2014 season with a 3-8 record and a loss to Bryant. Keep an eye on Har-Ber, the Wildcats are young talented team that should learn from 2014 and be much more improved in 2015.

SPRINGDALE

BULLDOGS

The 2014 season had some rough patches for the Springdale Bulldogs. Springdale opened up with state power Greenwood, and it did not go well for the Bulldogs. Springdale seemed to have problems picking up momentum after several tough defeats to Heritage and their rival Springdale Har-Ber. The fans did have some things to be excited about in the form of Chris Owens at the wide receiver position and Fulton Chandler at the quarterback spot. Owens was First Team All-Conference for the Bulldogs and proved he is just as dangerous on the football field as he is on the basketball court. Fulton Chandler should return in 2015 for the Bulldogs and Springdale will have a new head coach roaming the sidelines in the form of Zak Clark. The future is promising for the Red Dogs.

FARMINGTON

CARDINALS

The 2014 football season was not an easy one for Coach Mike Adams and the Farmington Cardinals. Farmington had an excellent start to the season winning their first three games over Prairie Grove, Huntsville, and Van Buren. Things then seemed to unravel a bit as losses to Little Rock Christian and Greenbrier dropped the Cardinals mark to 3-2. Farmington would close out the season 4-6 and would miss out on the state playoffs in 2014. Wide receiver Michael Ingram led the Cardinals in receiving yards racking up 802-yards receiving and scoring 9 touchdowns on the season. Ingram, is one Cardinal that Mike Adams will miss going into the 2015 season. Look for Farmington to be improved and ready to give other teams fits in 2015.

DECATUR

BULLDOGS

The Decatur Bulldogs’ 2014 season was a season full of ups and downs. Coach Shane Holland and his Bulldogs opened the season with a tough loss to Berryville. The second week of the season, the Bulldogs’ defense played solid football and Decatur was able to pull out a victory 10-4 over Hartford. Decatur followed the Hartford game up with two straight losses that were blowouts. Decatur would recover and pull out wins over West Side and Union Christian Academy in both of those games the defense played tough.

The ground attack was impressive for the Bulldogs this season led by running back Allan Castaneda. Castaneda rushed for 589-yards and averaged 4.7 yards per carry during the 2014 season. In 2015, Decatur will be replacing quite a few starters but you can expect a scrappy effort every game.

ROGERS

MOUNTIES

The Rogers Mounties reside in the most difficult conference in the state of Arkansas and the 2014 season proved that to be true. The Mounties’ season started out on a positive note with a 35-21 victory over Siloam Springs. A tough loss to Claremore followed and seemed to start the Mounties on a downhill slide. Difficult losses to Springdale Har-Ber, Fort Smith Northside, and Fort Smith Southside would cost the Mounties the chance to compete in the state playoffs. The season may have been difficult but it did contain a few bright spots in the forms of running back Bryan Grigsby and linebacker Collin Mayer.

Grigsby rushed for 1,265 yards and tacked on 10 touchdowns. Hands down he was the most productive running back in the 7A-West. Grigsby will be playing college football at Harding University in the fall of 2015. Collin Mayer was a consistent threat on the defensive side of the ball, racking up 44 tackles and 1 sack during his senior season. Mayer will continue his playing career at Hendrix College. The Mounties should be able to build on the 2014 season and be a stronger team in 2015.

HERITAGE

WAR EAGLES

The Rogers Heritage War Eagles call the 7A-West home and it can be a nightmare of a conference when Fayetteville, Bentonville, and Northside are all clicking at the same time. The War Eagles had a tough first two weeks of the season losing to both Van Buren and Olathe North High School out of Kansas. Racking up wins against Springdale, Rogers, and Russellville helped get Heritage into the playoffs. Heritage would defeat Little Rock Central in the playoffs but lose a tough one to Fort Smith Southside. Joey Saucier would earn All-State honors at the running back position after putting together another solid season.

Saucier will continue his playing career at the Air Force Academy. Heritage started out the 2014 season in rough fashion but managed to put together a solid season with a playoff appearance and should be much improved this upcoming season.

4301 Pleasant Crossing Blvd, Rogers, AR 72758 Phone: 479-621-0990 Fax: 479-621-0945

Social Media? Follow Letterman on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with the latest and the #greatness

Community Spotlight

as Saving Grace, Inc. Originally Becky thought they would start her idea for an independent living program at the children’s home in Oklahoma where they had been working. But in 2008 they moved to Northwest Arkansas to take a much-needed break from their fulltime ministry.

Becky Shaffer, the founder of Saving Grace, knows personally how hard it can be to transition successfully to independent adulthood, especially without support from one’s family.

Even though they had moved, she still couldn’t shake the idea. Finally later that year they began to pray with their small Bible study group and their pastor for direction and clarity.

That is because Becky grew up in a dysfunctional family with a chronically absent father and a mother who were emotionally disturbed and “either violently abusive or in bed asleep.” She quickly learned that she could, however, depend on God to be her daddy, so she prayed and talked with Him daily.

Their prayers continued until one day in January 2009. Becky said, “Kent and I prayed together before heading our separate ways to work, and we asked God to send us a sign if this was really what He wanted me to do. I

After a rough childhood, Becky was placed in a children’s home at age 12. When she graduated from her Christian high school, she was expected to leave the home and move on. With no better idea of a place to go, she went to college, “mostly because I needed a place to live,” she said. She referred to that first semester as being “in survival mode.” She quickly got into a romantic relationship and

by Christmas that year she was married and expecting her first child.

Currently she and her husband Kent have been married for 25 years. Becky says she is thankful for how they have experienced God’s blessing on their marriage and family. When Kent and Becky were about two years into their marriage, they became house parents at a children’s home in Oklahoma that took in troubled teenage girls. During their ministry to these girls, they began to see a pattern— these girls were not ready to face life on their own as adults.

Years later, Becky found that God was planting a bigger dream in heart: a plan to help more young women in transition. Her dream began with a folder full of research on her computer called “Rebekah’s Hope” and culminated in the creation of what is known

went to work and was visiting with a customer, and we began talking about our similarities in working with abused and neglected children over the years. I shared with her my dream of doing a transitional living house. A few hours later she came back to the store in our break room and had a large sign that said “Amazing Grace.” She shared that she felt prompted by the Holy Spirit to bring this to me. She did this not knowing what Kent and I had prayed earlier that morning. I took the sign to Kent, and we cried and prayed together — having no idea what God was about to do!”

With little more than a dream in her heart and a file on her computer, a month later Becky called the Center for Nonprofits—an old hospital that had been turned into offices for non-profit organizations—and asked about available office space. To her surprise, she found out that the Center was less than two miles away from her home. Once the Center heard her idea of ministering to young women, they asked if she had time to come

look at the old convent space where the nuns used to live. When she and Kent arrived at the old convent building, Becky quickly realized it “couldn’t have been more perfect for what we are doing. It was amazing and perfect; handpicked by God.” The old convent has 14 resident rooms— each with its own sink—and four full bathrooms to share on the resident side. In addition, it provided a large living room, utility room, pantry, office space, and a “chapel” that is now a computer lab.

With the help of hundreds of volunteers from churches and organizations around Northwest Arkansas, and with much of the lease of the building given to Saving Grace by the nonprofit they were leasing from the first year, Saving Grace was quickly becoming a reality. They prepared the building for its first residents, gathered a group of people to be the founding board, and were approved for their 501(c)3 in a near-miraculous six weeks. It seemed that God was quickly and powerfully blessing Saving Grace.

Born from the dream of a young woman from a broken home, today, Saving Grace is a beautiful reality that continues to reach out to young women in Northwest Arkansas.

For more info: www.savinggracenwa.org Phone: (479) 636-1133 Fax: (479) 636-1865

NORTHSIDE

GRIZZLIES

One of the best teams Letterman Magazine had a chance to watch on the field during the 2014 season was the Northside Grizzlies. Northside had several impressive victories during the season including, defeating Fayetteville at home 27-24. The solid victories did not stop there. The Grizzlies were able to defeat Pine Bluff, Springdale, and Little Rock Catholic. Northside was impressive on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Justin Curry, who earned All-State Honors at the running back position helped make Northside’s offense a force to be reckoned with. Curry will continue his playing career at Samford University in 2015. The defensive side of the ball was led by Daytrieon Dean. Dean played defensive tackle for the Grizzlies and made it very difficult on the opposing team to run the ball. Dean will be suiting up for the Arkansas Razorbacks during the fall of 2015. Northside’s successful 2014 ended with a loss to North Little Rock in the playoffs but it gives the Grizzlies something to build on for the 2015 season. The future is bright!

SOUTHSIDE

REBELS

Fort Smith Southside is a state power in what is the toughest conference in Arkansas. To kick off the season, Southside defeated another state power in Warren 29-22. Southside had a number of impressive victories during the 2014 season. Victories over Bentonville and Northside, made the 7A-West an interesting conference to watch this season. Southside came up short in the state playoffs but the number of senior leaders that accomplished All-State honors is impressive. Dontae Perry was one of the better defensive backs this season. Perry will be playing on Saturdays for Arkansas Tech. Juwuan Campbell will join his teammate Perry at Arkansas Tech next season, as well. The 2014 season, was one of a great accomplishment for the Rebels. Keep an eye on Southside next season.

PEA RIDGE

BLACKHAWKS The 2014 season for the Pea Ridge Blackhawks was one of the most successful in school history. Coach Tony Travis led a solid team that would win the 4A-Region 1 Conference. The senior leadership on this team was valuable attribute and would mean the difference in several close games during the season.

Seth Brumley quarterbacked the Blackhawks to an 11-1 record and led an offense that would light up the scoreboard. Pea Ridge ripped through the regular season undefeated and that may not have been the case without excellent leadership on the defensive side of the ball as well. Justiss Jenkins was solid along the defensive front and was part of several games where the Blackhawks held the opposing team to single digits. Coach Travis has things going in the right direction and Pea Ridge will be a team to watch the next few years.

SHILOH CHRISTIAN

SAINTS

The 2014 season for the Shiloh Christian Saints, was one of learning a new system that first year Head Coach Jeff Conaway introduced. The Saints suffered a tough loss to eventual state champion Charleston in the first week of the season but rebounded nicely. Shiloh would finish second to conference champion Pea Ridge. Shiloh would make a deep playoff run, defeating Westside and Pocahontas before falling to a very good Warren team. Shiloh had a number of senior leaders that will go on to play on Saturdays in the fall of 2015. Adler Goode, racked up 744-yards receiving and committed to the University of Central Arkansas. Matthew Solomon had a terrific season, as well, putting up 701-yards receiving. Solomon will be playing on Saturdays for Ouachita Baptist University. Running back Chandler Smith will join his teammate Solomon at Ouachita Baptist in 2015. Shiloh does not rebuild they reload and the 2014 season was proof of that fact.

LETTERMAN CREED In the world today, there are believers and nonbelievers. Supporters and Critics…Optimist and Naysayers…Where you stand is your choice…But one thing remains true, NEVER underestimate the heart of a Letterman...

A legion of men and women who have given everything they had for the Letter. No matter the challenge or opposition, they never quit. “The Ultimate Sacrifice.” Blood, Sweat, Tears, and even pushing through the midnight hours all for one goal…Greatness!

They set aside others opinions and doubt by conquering every obstacle thrown in their path, realigning their defining moments… embracing the struggle and having the determination to RISE above…when it’s clutch time…The definition of a true Letterman.

Characterized by their Passion, Vision, Purpose, Desire, Performance, and Ultimately Success.

You ask…how can I become a Letterman? It’s simple...through faith, discipline, hard-work, and Sacrifice!

Arkansas Legends Sports Group (ALSG) is an Arkansas-based company focused on the community, developing the basic skills of the game, sportsmanship, competition and developing relationships. ALSG will be centered on fostering healthy lifestyles and will be utilized as a catalyst to spread the love of football throughout the state of Arkansas. Our athletes are exposed to experienced coaching from former and current collegiate and professional athletes/coaches. Our coaches take pride in the mental, physical, and emotional development of our players, with an emphasis on leadership, class, character, and goodwill.

For more info please visit www.arlsg.com Management Team: CJ McLain, Leotis Harris, David Dyson

Larry Perrin National Director of Football National Scouting Report

UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS

T

he first Wednesday of February, 2015 was an unbelievable day for the staff at National Scouting Report: Football.

We were on watch duty for our kids that were to sign National Letters of Intent to play college football. The east coast athletes started the festivities and set the tone for the rest of the country. We had athletes signing at some of the most prestigious Division 1 schools, FCS, several Division 2 schools, D3, Juco, and NAIA all across the nation. We were posting and sharing on social media, talking to local media outlets, and working with athletes and coaching staffs to assist in this process. This was just one day out of our year. We do this kind of behind the scenes work everyday for our athletes in all sports, but the sport of football gets to have a nationwide party on the first Wednesday in February every year.

There are several factors that led up to this dramatic day. Our scouts had to find these athletes first. They do this by spending hours in the field at games or practices, or by watching countless hours of film to determine who has the potential to be a college football player. They had to identify kids that have the athletic ability, size, and speed to play at the next level. The scout then had to interview the athlete and the family to determine if the prospect had outstanding grades and, most of all, the desire to do what was necessary to become a collegiate athlete both on the field and off. If the athlete and family meet the criteria that the scout needed, then he would proceed to enroll them in our program. What the public does not realize about National Scouting Report is that we do not enroll every kid we come in contact with. We are very selective in choosing the right kind of student/ athlete. This one key factor is why we have a success rate of over 95% placement of the athletes in our program.

What does the NSR athlete look like? First is the athlete needs to have great grades.

Grades, often, are the difference between two

athletes with similar skills, and grades could make academic money available that could stack with athletic assistance to potentially fill out the total cost of attending college. We also look for athletes that fit in to very specific BOX’s with regard size and speed. These BOX’s will help the scout identify what type of program that the athlete has the best chance of going to. The actual determination of where an NSR athletes goes to college is made by the college coaches, but our scouts need to know, based on data from colleges and previous athletes, where to start the process.

Next, the NSR athlete must know about several different topics related to the NCAA. Things such as being registered with the NCAA Eligibility Center, and how to go to NCAA. org to do this. If the athlete is determined to be of NAIA caliber, then they would need to register at PlayNaia.org in order to complete their eligibility for that type of institution.

Each athlete must know that they HAVE to be registered with either the NCAA or NAIA eligibility centers before they can play the sport of their choice at the collegiate level.

The family must know about contact periods and learn exactly when and where college coaches can actually talk to the athlete. We go in to when and how college staffs can evaluate the athlete, and how important this evaluation is in determining whether or not the athlete will actually be recruited. Our families are educated on college visits and they learn the difference between official and un-official visits. They also will have the knowledge of knowing how may visits they can actually take. We even cover things such as not taking gifts. But the main point we have to make known is that if you are not talking to college coaches, you are not being recruited.

It’s that simple.

Becoming identified and recognized is the first step that has to happen in order for a college to put you on their recruiting board.

Once the athlete is identified and recognized by a college staff and the coaches reach out to

them, then they are in the recruiting process.

The next phase is the evaluation portion of the process. Coaches have to actually determine if this athlete is indeed a college caliber kid.

Then the comparison comes versus other kids that play the same position. If the athlete survives the gauntlet he will move to the offer phase of the process. Here is where the school offers a non-binding pledge to provide financial assistance to an athlete. They key to this is that offers are non-binding and can be pulled at the discretion of the institution, and that not all offers are full rides. FBS schools have 85 head count scholarship versus FCS with 63 scholarships to fill an 85 man roster.

Division 2 schools only have 36 scholarships that can be divided throughout the roster and NAIA schools have 24 scholarships that they spread out over their team. Not until the athlete signs a National Letter of Intent are the school and the athlete bound to any agreement. Families must understand that the majority of what they read on social media regarding offers is HYPE. National Signing Day and/or the signing period will determine who actually gets the scholarship to attend the institution and play football.

So as you can see, there is a significant amount of effort and communication that is required to get to the point where a student/ athlete gets to sign an NLI. The old statement, “If I am good enough, they will find me”, will have you behind with regard to the recruiting process, and could, potentially, leave you out of it entirely.

Do yourself a favor. Take control of your dream. Get identified and recognized. Get scouted and evaluated by professional scouts that understand the football recruiting process. If you feel you have the ability, grades, and are willing to put in the effort to master your game contact National Scouting Report. www.nsr-inc.com

Future Letterman SPORTS BRINGS FAMILES CLOSER TOGETHER Very few extracurricular activities can bring parents and children closer together than a love of and participation in sports. Whether it be football, basketball, baseball, soccer or karate sports can bridge the gap. For parents that are busy with work during the week, sports and activities on the weekends is the way to spend time with their children. What brought my family together was watching and scouting football and basketball with my own parents and it is still something I share with them when we are all together.

The world can be a crazy place and for a few hours on Saturday’s and Sunday’s it is nice to be able to play and learn or in my case determine how to identify quality young men and women that excel on the field, court, and in the classroom. Both Zion Ward and Spencer Snow are Future Letterman and many people that were at the Letterman Media Day are fully convinced of that. fact. It was an honor getting to talk each of these young men and their wonderful parents Families, over the past few years, have gotten their children involved in sports at an early age. We will meet two wonderful kids over the course of this article. Zion Ward, his father Steve and mother Stephanie are just three people that have been able to experience what sports can do for people. The honors for Zion on and off the field are impressive. In the classroom, Zion is currently in the second grade but reads at a fifth grade level. Being able to read at such a high level allows Zion to take fifth grade classes and he also stands out in the visual arts world.

Outside of the classroom, on the gridiron, is another area where Zion excels. While living in Western Pennsylvania, Zion dominated on the gridiron. During the 2013 season, Zion led the league in both rushing yards and touchdowns. On the offensive of the ball Zion was able to rack up 12 touchdowns. Zion rushed for 1,071 yards on 24 attempts which when you average it was an amazing 44.6 yards per carry. Zion tacked on one reception for 45 yards and a touchdown. In 2014,

Zion and his parents moved near South Bend, Indiana and Zion continued to put up the impressive numbers.

Zion continued to put up impressive numbers in South Bend.

During t h e 2 0 1 4 season, Zion

was able to play all over the field. On the offensive side of the ball, Zion had a total of 19 touchdowns and rushed for 1,125 yards on 45 carries. On defense, Zion was able to account for 2 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, and 16 tackles. The successful season that Zion had allowed the league officials to bump him up to an older team next season due to his skill level and terrific numbers. Zion’s work ethic is second to none and his success on the gridiron and in the classroom reflect greatly on his and his parent’s terrific character.

The same work ethic and drive that propels Zion Ward also drives Spencer Snow.

Spencer does very well in the classroom accumulating a 3.25 grade point average in his studies. The list of hobbies the young man has is an impressive one as well. Spencer over the past 7 years has played both the offensive and defensive line and has the makings of being a dominant linemen for years to come. Former Arkansas Razorback C.J. McLain sees a great deal of potential in him and is enjoying the practice time with Spencer.

Spencer started playing football when he was 6 years old in his local church and from there he has continued to rise in the ranks. Spencer’s other hobbies include trapshooting, collecting old video games, and giving back to the community by volunteering. Spencer’s achievements on and off the field will continue to grow as he gets closer to high school. I have no doubt that Spencer will continue to do big things both on and off the field and he has success written all over him. Football fans in Arkansas would be well served to remember the name Spencer Snow, simply because they will be hearing it a great deal over the next few years. Zion and Spencer are both credits to their communities and they help make sports fun and the weekends great. Spencer and Zion’s families should be proud they are raising terrific young men who will do great things in the near future.

LIFE COACH

by Brandy J. Flynn

When we think about the characteristics of a student-athlete, many things may come to mind. Characteristics can range from different aspects. Positive aspects include being healthy, fit and sociable, whereas negative aspects may include signs of being egotistical and immature. An athletes character can determine whether he or she is successful on the field, in the classroom, and in life in general.

Often times we get caught up in the mist of our athletes obtaining a college scholarship and eventually playing professional sports, which is commonly referred to as the fabulous life. Even though theres nothing wrong with wishing our student-athletes the best in regard to their athletic career. Never forget the importance of instilling proper values that will allow them to become productive citizens.

Wearing the patch of a student-athlete is much more than a win and lose. It’s about developing and nurturing our young people, so they can be successful. Character is one of those things that has to be developed overtime. Something that must be molded and evolved from various aspects of each student-athletes environment.

Although, it’s a responsibility that the athlete did not ask for, it comes with the territory. Character building can lead to a prosperous life when the game is over.

Student-athletes must demonstrate a strong sense of character for those who follow behind them and fall under their leadership. We must make sure that when we are dealing studentathletes, we do our best to help them become successful men and women. Until next time...

Making You A Better You!

Character teaches a student athlete how to prepare better for life as an adult and puts a level of responsibility and accountability in their lap. – Brian Little, Athletic Director of Gentry High School

adidas.com/originals

You Play, You Pay

THE NCAA

by vincent tataglia

Headquartered in Indiana, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) serves as the governing body which regulates legislation and directs regulation by installed compliance. The NCAA is tasked in overseeing and monitoring the actions of diverse membership, which includes more than 1500 universities, colleges, conferences and affiliate organizations, all of whom, share and serve a common idea. Student-athletes enrolled in member institutions, competing in sanctioned sports, must abide by, NCAA standards principles and ethics, tailor made for the operation of various athletic programs.

The activities and interests of the NCAA, are confirmed, secured by legislation and enforced by institutional control. This brand of management serves to dissuade careless oversights, and demands responsibility from coaches, staffs, student-athletes, boosters and anyone else involved in NCAA regulated events. The rules and regulations which make up the NCAA were designed to assist coaches, prospective student athletes, current student-athletes, and boosters who are involved or connected by intercollegiate athletics.

To promote fair play the current athletic structure is comprised of three (3) levels of competitiveness; Division I, Division II and Division III. The three groups are classified by the proficiency of individual and overall talent in relation to athletic prowess.

Each of the three division’s creates its own rules that follow principles of the NCAA. Each of the three Divisions are respected in their own right and provide limitless athletic and academic opportunities.

The division considered to be the highest and most heralded of the three groups, Division I, features a collection of the country’s most historical institutions, coaches and like-minded athletes, and is determined by all measure as the draw for athletes with the highest level of skillset.

The divisions are a host to conferences which are stacked by school/teams, representing most every state in just about every corner of the nation.

The integrity of the NCAA relies heavily on the prompt investigation and the swift reckoning of any and all identified or suspected rule violations, stemming from gambling, illegal recruiting, eligibility infractions, immoral and unethical behavior.

College and University presidents conduct and monitor each of their respective division’s by the vote of a committee, backed by athletics administrators, faculty and studentathlete representatives. The Compliance Office maintains an active role in studentathlete and coach focused activities by providing clear and concise interpretation of NCAA legislations as it relates and addressees most every subject. The NCAA further expands objective, by providing its membership and its athletics programs with favorable conditions, so that they may prosper and succeed in all endeavors.

Note: This is specific to the National Collegiate Athletic Association legislation and compliance structures and would be considered common knowledge by many readers and the publisher. For these reasons, they need not to be cited.

NCAA Eligibility Center & Registration

The NCAA also sets forth a number of classroom eligibility rules, which apply to high school student-athletes wishing to pursue intercollegiate athletics.

Most high schools can provide lists of acceptable NCAA Courses

accessible through the student counselors or guidance offices. The NCAA Eligibility Center website serves as a resource service, designed wholly to assist any college-bound student-athlete during the high school to college transitional stage. Student-athletes preparing to enroll in a Division I or Division II programs must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center, previously known as the NCAA Clearinghouse.

Universities competing under the Division III structure are exempt from the registration procedure.

In granting certified clearance, all Division I and Division II student-athletes must meet each and every standard of athletics amateurism and classroom academic standards set by the NCAA governing body.

To some, these guided outlines may come as elementary, but to many student-athletes this information comes as a shocking last minute surprise. Each year many student-athletes fail to register timely as citing lack of awareness that the process even existed. By rule, the best time to begin the eligibility and registration process should come as early as sophomore year and no later than the junior year. The time that it takes to move from registration to pending eligibility then to cleared status, is a time consuming effort marked by unremitting persistence. Therefore, the best idea is to take matters into control early and maintain a smooth and manageable schedule. Besides maintaining in the classroom, this particular step is by far the most important stop on the journey, yet branded the most forsaken.

Once complete, the applicant receives their

personal (10) digit NCAA ID number, gaining temporary good standing but remains in pending state while Eligibility Center staffers move diligently through measures which ultimately ensure registered student-athletes are declared amateurs as interpreted by NCAA standards. The NCAA ID number is generally requested on most athlete questionnaires and one of the single most asked about items in talking with coaches and recruiters.

By obtaining the NCAA ID number early, sets a precedence of selfresponsibility, and perceived by most coaches as a big step in the right direction. The NCAA Eligibility Center communication is by electronic transmission, so monitoring email accounts regularly for updates or requests is essential.

Steps to Eligibility •

You can access and print your high school’s List of NCAA Courses at www. eligibilitycenter.org.

•

Click the NCAA College-Bound StudentAthlete link enter, then navigate to the Resources select U.S. Students find the link listing NCAA Courses.

•

Sophomore year, complete the online registration www.eligibilitycenter.org

•

Classes must be 4 yr. College prep. & meet NCAA requirements for initial academic eligibility.

•

Register & take ACT/SAT use NCAA Eligibility Center code 9999 as a score recipient to send official score(s) to NCAA Eligibility Center.

•

Have your high school counselor send official transcript to NCAA Eligibility Center after completing junior year.

•

Before registering for classes for your senior year, check with your high school counselor to determine the number of core courses you need to complete during your senior year

•

Take the ACT and/or SAT again, if necessary. NCAA Eligibility Center uses the best scores from each section of the ACT or SAT to determine your best cumulative score.

•

Continue to take college-preparatory courses.

•

Check the courses you have taken to match your school’s List of NCAA Courses.

•

Review your amateurism responses and request final amateurism certification on or after April 1 (for fall enrollees) or October 1 (for spring enrollees).

•

Graduate on time with your graduating class (eight semesters after starting year nine).

•

After graduation, ask your high school counselor to send your final official transcript to the NCAA Eligibility Center with proof of graduation.

•

The NCAA Eligibility Center will use only approved core courses to certify your initial academic eligibility.

Ask Before You Act The easiest way to avoid an NCAA rules violation is to ask staff members before you enter into any situation or accept any sort of potential benefit. Involvement in a rules violation can have serious effects on your

eligibility to practice, compete, or receive athletic scholarship aid. Protect yourself and your team by talking to your coaches, sport administrator, or Compliance staff members whenever a question arises.

that percentage will likely surge, when the tougher 2016 rules come into effect. The NCAA has further concluded and calculates that 15 percent of college athletes and 35 percent of football players who entered school in 2009 would not be eligible to play under the new criteria.

Standards If you are planning on participating in NCAA Intercollegiate Athletics, stop planning and react. Effective August 1, 2016 , Division I Academics, and Athletic Eligibility Standard will require an increase in GPA and SAT/ACT scores. The current requirement of a 2.0 GPA will call for a 2.3 GPA. The days where making straight C’s and scathing by were status quo, will no longer meet requirements.

The key in obtaining a higher standard in education, while chasing your dreams of college sports has become, and will continue to move more closely to academic achievement. Regardless of freakish speed size, and unmatched attributes, without disciplined academia, you will not clear the doors of college office admissions. There are no gimmies, no do overs and no compassion when it comes to meeting target academic requirements. If you do not produce in the classroom, those very coaches that woe you now, will become will leave you in the dust. It’s the 4th quarter, you’re down by a few, and it is 4th and 1 guys. You are playing in the game of your life, everyone including the haters are all watching , some are pulling for you and some would like nothing more than to see you selfdestruct, fall flat. What will you do?

This will create further concerns for some, as the number relative to sliding scale methods will also increase the requirements in ACT and SAT scores as well. Current standards for Division II & Division III institutions will not be affected and will remain as they are.

The Brutal Reality According to the NCAA, about 10 percent of aspiring Division I athletes fail to meet the NCAA’s academic benchmarks each year, and

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