Former Bear Plank to speak at Hampshire
Former Chicago Bears great Doug Plank will be giving a presentation on college recruiting on Wednesday, Feb. 6 at Hampshire High School.
Plank is now a national keynote speaker for Recruiting Realities and will give a presentation entitled “It’s a Game ... Know the Rules.” The presentation is intended to be a reality check for the families of student-athletes looking to get their degree and play at the college level.
During his NFL career Plank, who went to Ohio State, was regarded as one of the hardest-hitting safeties in NFL history. The famed “46 defense” created by former Bears assistant coach Buddy Ryan was named after Plank’s No. 46 jersey. Plank also has an extensive background in radio and TV with Fox Sports and Westwood One. He is also currently the head coach of the Orlando Predators of the Arena Football League.
“It may not be what some parents want to hear, but it is definitely what they need to hear,” Plank says of his presentation. “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. There are a lot of student-athletes out there and less than one percent are going to a Division I school. However, you’ve got 99 percent of kids out there that can play at the college level in divisions other than DI. The key is finding the right school and financial package.”
Parents will have the opportunity to hear the truth about college recruiting, the role of their high school coach, the impact of today’s social media and where parents fit into the process.
Plank’s presentation will begin at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium.
For more on Plank’s presentation, log on to www.recruitingrealities.com.
Hampshire baseball clinic: The Hampshire High School baseball program will hold an indoor evaluation clinic for 6th-8th graders on Saturday, Feb. 9 at the high school. Former Hampshire star Jacob Goebbert, currently a Houston Astros prospect, and Miami Marlins prospect Jake Smolinski will lead the evaluation committee along with a Major League Baseball scouting cross checker. Evaluations will be in arm strength, catching POP times, hitting and pitching. Check-in is at 8 a.m. and the clinic is from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. For further information contact John Sarna at john.sarna@d300.org. Each player will receive a T-shirt jersey with number along with a written evaluation.