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

[duggie85]

We are not talking about baseball here. I would have to guess, TOPS doesn't pay as well as a football scholarship.

Gotcha, thanks!

[Cajunrunner]

TOPS doesnt cover room and board, meal plans, books, stipends, etc. that a full scholarship does...

There are no partial scholarships like in baseball where the entire team only has 11.7 total to split up as needed

Someone mentioned that on here a month or two ago when I asked why it seemed several local high school coaches (my alma matter STM is one) dislike UL, and actually discourage their players from coming here if they have any other options on the table.

The TOPS in lieu of an athletic scholarship does work for baseball and other spring sports. However, the more I understand the way it all works for football, it seems to be a different animal.

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.

[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.