College Recruiting: What Livingston Parents and Student-Athletes Need to Know

National keynote speaker Jack Renkens of Recruiting Realities will make a presentation on college athletic recruiting to Livingston High School at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, in the Livingston High School Fitness and Wellness Center, 30 Robert Harp Dr.

According to a release, parents will have an opportunity to hear the truth about college athletic recruiting, the role of their high school coach, the impact of social media and parents’ roles in the overall process.

Renkens’ presentation is free and open to the public.

A former high school/college coach and athletic director, Renkens has written 14 books on the recruiting process and is entering his 18th year of national touring, according to a release.

“It may not be what some parents want to hear, but it definitely is what they need to hear,” stated Renkins in a release. “I’m primarily trying to get families to be realistic about the opportunities that are available and to get them to understand it’s about getting your education, not about hitting the ball, kicking the ball, throwing the ball… It’s about finding the right match academically.”

Student-athletes need to come to terms with three basic realities, according to Renkins:

• You don’t get to pick the school. They pick you.
• A college coach can’t recruit you if he/she doesn’t know who you are. Student- athletes need to market themselves.
• Don’t get hung up on the words “athletic scholarship.” Focus on “funding” comprised of academic money, merit money, grants, endowment and achievement money.

Send Livingston news tips and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com