Northwestern's Academic Game Plan

High School Coaches The foundation for successful college football student-athletes is laid by the high school coach. Whether the player goes on to play college ball or not, the preparation should be much the same. • Talk about academic performance; make it clear that participation on the football team is a privilege and must be earned both on the field and in the classroom. • Set academic standards for participation, perhaps higher than those of the school. Apply these standards equally to all, from starters to benchwarmers. • Verbally and visually reward academic prowess through public praise and posters. • Encourage them to take challenging classes, thereby preparing them for future academic success. For those students being recruited by college programs: • Encourage them to obtain the NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete as early as possible • Help them