The decision to try to run collegiately comes with many questions. AlabamaRunners has spoken with many of the distance coaches at the Universities throughout the state to get their take on the recruiting process. In this installment we spoke to Coach Adam Tribble, an assistant / Cross Country coach at the University of Alabama.
AlabamaRunners: What are some good things high school kids do to get noticed/"self-market" themselves?
Coach Tribble: Send school specific (not generic) emails to the coaches of schools you’re interested in
AlabamaRunners: What are some bad things high school kids have done to get noticed/"self-market" themselves?
Coach Tribble:
- Poor taste/character facebook/twitter posts/pictures
- Generic Emails
- Recruiting services
AlabamaRunners: What amount of scholarship should kids expect? Do full rides really exist?
Coach Tribble: They do, but for a they’re very hard to come by (you have to be very-very good)
AlabamaRunners: When can high school athletes contact you? Is it helpful for them to contact you or do you prefer to contact athletes?
Coach Tribble: HS athletes can contact at any time, but college coaches can’t respond until September of the athlete’s junior year (except a generic reply). Coaches can’t call until July 1 of the athlete’s senior year. Coaches, as of now, can never text until the athlete has “signed” with the school
AlabamaRunners: When can a high school athlete visit a college, will they be able to check out the program when they come?
Coach Tribble: Unofficial-anytime, Official-after the start of their senior year
AlabamaRunners: Does an athlete need 4-6 years of JH/HS Cross Country / Track in order to be competitive for a scholarship?
Coach Tribble: No
AlabamaRunners: What purpose does a walk-on serve and should I be embarrassed about being asked to "walk on" instead of receiving a scholarship?
Coach Tribble: Absolutely not. Walk-ons at many schools are more developmental athletes who will not make an impact initially, but could in the future
AlabamaRunners: What are some questions for kids to ask any college coach they talk to?
Coach Tribble: What are you looking for this upcoming recruiting cycle, where would I fit into your program