Coach Jeff Wettach had a storied career at Luther College–in his 32-year career, Coach Wettach totaled 516 all-conference performances, 80 outdoor conference titles, 25 indoor conference titles, and 46 All-America honors in track as well as well as two All-Americans, seven all-region performers, and twelve all-conference performers. Even in retirement, Wettach continues to rack up accolades, as he was named a Sportsmanship Award Winner by the NCAA in 2019. Here's his best advice to help you win your recruiting process.
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1. What is the most important quality you look for in a recruit?
The DESIRE to continue growing as a student, as an athlete, and as a young adult.
2. When should an athlete contact you, what is the best way? (age, grade, time of year, email, phone, or other)
Any time during or after their junior year in high school. The sooner, the better, but it is NEVER too late!
3. What are your expectations for incoming players in the classroom, in the weight room, and on the track?
#1 – be serious about excelling academically, #2 – participate in our pre-season strength training (3 days/week), #3 – assume a life balance in which our sport is in the top 4 or so, but NOT their number one priority.
Related: Stay on Track: 3 Tips for Track and Field Success
4. What are the do's and don'ts of being recruited?
Do: Let the college coach know your preferred method of communication, schedule visits to the college that look like potential “fits,” and be honest with the coaches who are recruiting you–let them know if you are/are not interested in their school!.
Don't: Expect to hear from a school every week, waste your time or the recruiter's time if you are NOT interested, or discount a private school because they have a high “sticker price” (financial aid can be great at many private schools).
5. What is the best advice you can offer a recruit?
Focus on the quality of the people at the schools you're considering. Ask the current team members: “Do your coaches truly care about you and your growth holistically?”
Related: 9 Recruiting Questions With Former Concordia University Track & Field Coach Megan Wagenaar
6. How big a factor is social media when recruiting players? What advice do you have for athletes regarding social media?
Use of social media is specific to the student/athlete, coaches, and programs. Communicate with the coaches who are recruiting you about policies, etc.
Come back every Monday for Coaching Staff's Advice on the college recruiting process, what they look for in athletes, and what to expect as a college athlete.
Have a story idea or know an awesome athlete/coach we should interview? Email us at [email protected]
Image Credit: LutherCHIPS
* Originally published on February 13, 2023, by 2aDays Staff
