Princeton Day Eligibility Seminars are a Success

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Whitfield counsels kids and their loved ones from a number of sports.

July 1, 2009 - Last Sunday saw Princeton Day's (MD) coach, Vann Whitfield, follow through on his planned NCAA Eligibility seminar: Presented in two sessions, parents of young people presently in high school and those not quite there were presented with potentially life altering information, data and ideas that could very well mean the difference between being able to accept a college scholarship, and not attending at all.

Whitfield presented a packet of information to each attendee, then introduced concepts such as the NCAA eligibility sliding scale, the true definition of core classes, and the necessary degree of parental/supervisory attention necessary for success, in addition to many others.

Vann Whitfield giving instructions to last year's Princeton Day squad.

Attendees were not simply hoops specific. "Amongst others, we had Riverdale Baptist (MD) - Basebell, Flowers (MD) - Wrestling, Duval (MD) - Boys Basketball, Wise (MD) - Girls Track, Springbrook (MD) - Girls Softball, Christ Chapel (VA) - Boys Basketball, McNamara (MD) - Football" all represented, recalled Whitfield.

Following are just a few of the tidbits presented in each session's hour time frame:

1) Summer school sessions are a great way of taking and retaking classes, but if they are being used to address the previous receipt of an unacceptable grade, the subsequent class' grade will be averaged with the first one, not replacing it.

2) It's best to take the PSAT in 8th grade, thereby highlighting what academic skill sets need to be strengthened.

3) Know your school's grading scale system.

4) The NCAA will scrutinize several 'red flag' situations, including three transfers in four years, and immediate 'academic rejuvenation'.

5) The NCAA website relevant to securing eligibile status is https://web1.ncaa.org/eligibilitycenter/common/

For those who attended, you are now armed with great information, which can be used to take control of a child's academic future. For those who didn't, more eligibility seminars are being planned for Woodbridge, VA and through an AAU program.

Per submitted evaluations, the sessions were termed "Very useful", with "no changes" being proposed. Adults without their own children also attended, as the information is great for coaches and those interested in the welfare of any kid.

Contact CWoodard@bis.doc.gov or armorofGod@comcast.net for more info regarding future seminars. Whitfield can be reached at stormhoops@hotmail.com.

These are must attend events.