Props to Oshea Dugas! BTW, he wasn't talented enough to play here...remember that.

[Lexhead]

I don't understand why kids who can get TOPS want an athletic scholarship. Why would they not want all the best players as possible to join them??

Edit: Should clarify, I would think all HS athletes would "want" an athletic scholarship. It's a reward. But c'mon, if they truly want to win, don't take a scholarship when you have an alternative way to pay for tuition.

The scholarship is validation of your quality as a player and a statement that the team is as committed to you as you are to them. It carries the same symbolic weight as the letter that you earn or your position as a starter. You may take the most snaps of any other player in your position group, but you still want that designation as a starter. Believe me, any kid who does not have a scholarship wants one.

[Lexhead]

One thing seems certain, our university's relationship with local high school coaches does seem quite lacking. In fact, it seems the coaches at McNeese have better relationships as it pertains to football.

What is the cause of that?

[Cajunrunner]

What is the cause of that?

I'm sure there's much more to it than I'll ever know. I just remember comments from coaches when I was in high school, and even now comments/posts read on that facebook thingy.

[CajunEXPRESS]

I don't understand why kids who can get TOPS want an athletic scholarship. Why would they not want all the best players as possible to join them??

Edit: Should clarify, I would think all HS athletes would "want" an athletic scholarship. It's a reward. But c'mon, if they truly want to win, don't take a scholarship when you have an alternative way to pay for tuition.

The difference is thousands of dollars every year . No fun of signing day. Man you're putting a lotta heavy BS on a seventeen year old.

[duggie85]

The difference is thousands of dollars every year . No fun of signing day.

Thanks. Red pointed that out last night and makes complete sense. I was thinking of it from the baseball way, which I now know isnt apples to apples.

Man you're putting a lotta heavy BS on a seventeen year old.

Asking a kid (or 18 yo adult) who has likely played team sports his entire life to think about the team first, should not be a heavy burden. If they are thinking about only themselves on day 1, many would argue it could possibly lead to locker room issues...And we've seen those kind of effects.

[CajunEXPRESS]

I'm kinda thinking you're not right. Kids deserve that special day. It's hardly selfish. A kid who has FBS talent can find someplace to celebrate his talents. To suggest he may be a bad teammate for expecting the same acknowledgement others are getting is low.

[duggie85]

I'm kinda thinking you're not right. Kids deserve that special day. It's hardly selfish. A kid who has FBS talent can find someplace to celebrate his talents. To suggest he may be a bad teammate for expecting the same acknowledgement others are getting is low.

I must've missed the NCAA rule that states you can only have a "signing day" presentation if you're getting an athletic scholarship, but not for getting TOPS and signing with a team.

You're right though, they all deserve a trophy for their hard work.

[CajunEXPRESS]

Just quit trying to imply a young person who might have multiple options is selfish for wanting to be celebrated like his peers. That's just silly.

[duggie85]

Also, you're mixing 2 completely separate issues. Deserving recognition in the form of a signing party and being recognized on a special day is completely different than a coach and player strategically planning for the future.

[Geaux]

They did that to a kid at Catholic High BR a few years back. I don't think it sits well with local coaches and the kids deserve their day. That's horse crap, no real commitment from the coaching staff.

[CAJUNJUDO]

One thing seems certain, our university's relationship with local high school coaches does seem quite lacking. In fact, it seems the coaches at McNeese have better relationships as it pertains to football.

Probably because several area high school coaches went to McNeese State. They were probably dissed and ridiculed by USL so much back in the day that they do their best to sway their players from coming here. That's what I think...

[CajunEXPRESS]

Also, you're mixing 2 completely separate issues. Deserving recognition in the form of a signing party and being recognized on a special day is completely different than a coach and player strategically planning for the future.

When you combine issues and degrade a young person I can in fact cherry pick your comments.

If a kid wants to walk on for the betterment of the team that's fine. If the next doesn't see it that way I'm not impunning his motives or imply he'll be a locker room problem which is exactly what you did to the hypothetical player.