ACADEMICS

The college experience is one in which the mind is cultivated, challenged and stretched. We must encourage and allow student-athletes to take full advantage of the resources the college has to offer, so that they may grow to their greatest potential. The classroom allows student-athletes to grow in knowledge. Although professors will train student-athlete and prepare them for their chosen vocations, coaches are not off the hook. Coaches must support the academic pursuits of student-athletes by acknowledging that academics will serve as the gateway to their chosen fields and that learning does not only take place in the classroom but throughout the collegiate experience. To that end, coaches must allow student-athletes every opportunity to thrive academically. They must support and encourage student-athletes to take advantage of the range of opportunities available to them. It will be up to the student-athletes to choose their paths and apply the knowledge they have gained.

redefining CHAMPION in the classroom

Although many may want to be champions, they neglect the hard work it takes behind the scenes. The redefined champion recognizes the importance of academics as the foundation for championship performances on and off the field.

as Recruits

Focus on academics begins at the moment we meet a student-athlete; academic expectations must be set during the initial presentation.

goal is for the student-athlete to obtain an education and, ultimately, a degree.
desire is for the student-athlete to understand the importance and relevance of higher education.
emphasis is that the student-athlete consider academic fit as a priority in decision making.

as Student-Athletes

Minimum Academic Requirements

Because the importance of academics will be articulated throughout the recruiting process, it will be no surprise to them that a continued focus will be placed on academic standards throughout the student-athlete’s tenure in school. Student-athletes will recognize the minimum educational expectations and endeavor to exceed them. Specifically, student-athletes will understand the minimum expectations

of the institution, in terms of minimum requirements to avoid academic probation/suspension
of the NAIA, in terms of student-athlete eligibility standards
of the federal government, in terms financial aid regulations

Time Management

Management of time must be emphasized to student-athletes, as it is a primary reason student-athletes fail. As coaches, we will work with student-athletes to develop structure and organization within the program that can be modeled in their lives. Furthermore, as coaches we will work to develop a consistent schedule that promotes a work-life balance for our own lives that will also benefit student-athletes as they attempt to achieve a well-rounded collegiate experience. As student-athletes learn to manage their time between their studies, their sport and their social lives, they will become more successful in each of those areas.

Lifetime learners

Learning does not end in the classroom or when the degree is earned; it is something that continues throughout our entire lives. In addition to supporting the goals of general education and major coursework, we will model for student-athletes that there is value in learning for the sake of learning. Coaches may model in big and small ways, by reading books and sharing excerpts with student-athletes, by taking advantage of professional development opportunities, or even by creating camps and workshops that promote the sport as an avenue to educational opportunities. We will encourage student-athletes explore opportunities while additional resources are available to them in the collegiate setting.

Building Relationships

Faculty & staff

The coaching staff will nurture relationships between and among faculty, staff, coaches, and student-athletes, as we are all contributors to the academic success of student-athletes. These relationships will be developed through:

unwavering interest in what occurs academically on campus
regular emails communicating what occurs developmentally in the football program
availability of myself, staff and student-athletes available to support and assist faculty and staff
“Honorary Coach” program; invite faculty/staff members to

help team prepare for next opponent
address the team in the pre-game meeting
join team on the sideline on Saturday

Academic Support Center

The coaching staff will emphasize resources available to student-athletes designed to ensure academic success. To that end, it is imperative we work in cooperation with the Academic Support Center to develop and promote a successful study hall program.

Accountability

Coaching Staff

Maintain expectations of academic standards through constant informal inquiry.

We have ensured these student-athletes and their parents an educational opportunity; they are counting on us to deliver. To that end, we will conduct random grade and attendance checks. Additionally, all coaching staff will be required to conduct informal meetings with a specific list of student-athletes in an effort not only to identify potential academic issues before they occur, but also to assist student-athletes in identifying and using resources available to them.

Student-athletes

Recognize student-athletes who excel academically.

Ultimately, the academic success of the student-athlete is his individual responsibility; therefore, we must highlight that accomplishment. Initially, this will be through an Academic Top 10 program. This program simply recognizes student-athletes by displaying their photos and basic, FERPA-compliant information in a variety of media including the program, the Champions’ Manual, and a bulletin board.

Academics: the Conclusion

As we build a program intentionally around the concept of redefining champion, we must consistently emphasize that “student” takes priority over “athlete.” In doing so, we ensure student-athletes are accountable to their duties in the classroom. When student-athletes are encouraged and empowered to be academically successful, we begin the process. When student-athletes can uphold their responsibilities in the classroom, they are more likely to uphold their responsibilities to their teammates on the field as well as their families and their communities off the field. When this is the case, we have successfully redefined champion.

COMPONENTS