Sending Credentials 67
You will rarely, if ever, compete in an intercollegiate contest.
The unique pride of a National Letter of Intent signing—ain’t
happening! Most scholarship athletes receive preferential class
schedules so that practice and travel is convenient—not you!
But if you’re satisfied with being a practice opponent
(often known as a “scout,” “gray,” or “hamburger squad”)
for the team’s regular players, then go for it. What you are
as a walk-on is a necessary team burden to assist the real
players’ practice and not taken seriously by your teammates
or the coaches. Not an inspiring achievement. But maybe
that’s OK for you. That is, unless your parents need your
help in reducing the financial burden they will bear (or the
debt load you’ll inherit upon graduation) helping you get a
college education and an opportunity to continue your ath-
letic career. The Department of Education calculated that
the average student loan debt of college seniors was over
$19,000 in 2004. It’s more now: according to the Center
for American Progress, 42 percent of college students have
more than $25,000 in debt. A gray squad walk-on saddled
with colossal debt or a Division III campus hero with little
or no debt; you choose. But before you do, I urge you to log
onto http://www.sportsjungle.com/USCwalkontryouts.
Sometimes a degree from a certain institution (Stanford, Notre
Dame, Northwestern, etc.) is sufficient motivation to walk on.
And some walk-ons do receive scholarships in later years. A pain-
fully small percentage of walk-ons do receive scholarships and
create for themselves an opportunity to play regularly. I suggest
that having a substantial part of your college education paid for
is no small accomplishment for you and no minor detail for
your parents. If significant financial aid is a priority, you should
strongly consider NCAA Division II and III and NAIA colleges.