How the APR Might Effect Wrestling Programs & Recruiting
By: Rick Contrata

Full article can be found at the link below. The formula the NCAA uses in calculating APR can also be found in the link.
http://www.sectiononewrestling.com/documents/academic_performance_rate_apr_college_wrestling.html


With the APR, recruiting the ”best“ athlete could do your program more harm than good.



Regardless of the potential athlete’s performance on the field, the mat or the court, if they become ineligible, not only do you lose their participation, that same athlete could cost the program dearly by contributing to lost scholarships.



Wrestling coaches will probably assume the dual role of admissions officer and talent scout. If the desired effect of the APR is to increase graduation rates, then coaches and their recruiting staff must weigh the athlete’s performance potential against their graduation potential.



For programs that have fallen below or are dangerously close to the .925 threshold, coaches may opt to recruit some athletes with a higher graduation potential than those who might be more talented. Only time will tell, but there is an initiative to set aside funds to help under-performing schools get additional counseling on how to meet the higher academic standards required by the APR.



After spending 18 months wading through the college admissions and recruiting process, I can tell you this first hand. There are two things that colleges must decipher from all the data on a prospective student’s admissions application….



Can they do the required work and will they graduate.



By: Rick Contrata