The Academic Side Of UConn Football

[huskymedic]

Nice read on the focus placed on it by the AD... kind of an out of sight, out of mind until it blows up story: http://www.courant.com/sports/hc-uconn-football-behind-the-scenes-0422-20130421-9,0,1594422.story

A bone with a little fat on it for HFD:

>>Word is that Tripp is tough — she even characterizes herself as such — but likable and fair. Oh, and she means business. She's not averse to getting on the phone with a parent or saying no to the head coach.

Pasqualoni has tried to get potential program-changers into UConn whether it be through the junior college ranks or transferring from another Division I-A institution. After looking at the transcript, history of the student-athlete and tendencies, at times, Tripp's had to say no.

"Because I don't think you can sacrifice the integrity of the university. … I mean you can't," Tripp said. "I know every student isn't going to be a 2.7 [grade-point average] or a 3.0 coming out of high school or junior college or whatever, and that's OK, but you want students who are committed to the academic process and are going to show an incredible work ethic."<<

 

[mattp]

I really like that we take academics seriously. All in all, for most of us the value of our UConn degree is probably more important than an extra win or two, but it feels like we're playing with one hand behind our back when some of our opponents, like UNC and Auburn, don't even try to hold their "students" accountable.

 

[Waquoit]

Nice read on the focus placed on it by the AD... kind of an out of sight, out of mind until it blows up story: http://www.courant.com/sports/hc-uconn-football-behind-the-scenes-0422-20130421-9,0,1594422.story

I take all these stories with a grain of salt after the Frey fiasco.

 

[Adios]

Boise State brings in Academic All-Americans....

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9...eiver-titus-young-arrested-twice-15-hour-span

 

[TouchdownHusky]

I really like that we take academics seriously. All in all, for most of us the value of our UConn degree is probably more important than an extra win or two, but it feels like we're playing with one hand behind our back when some of our opponents, like UNC and Auburn, don't even try to hold their "students" accountable.

And still, in the end . . . UConn's the one on the outside looking in.

 

[huskymedic]

I take all these stories with a grain of salt after the Frey fiasco.

Not sure I understand the connection Waquoit? In the end Frey had the grades to get in to grad school but chose to go to Kutztwon because he would get his teaching cert faster?

"I had been stressed out about this since Coach Edsall left," Frey said. "I had been thinking about things during the season and was worried about my future, and when I met Coach Pasqualoni, he had helped me get into Master's classes and work toward my degree. "But I had visited Kutztown and decided that it really would be right for me." There were concerns Frey, who will graduate with degrees in history and political science in May and was on the Big East's all-academic team, would not be admitted to the highly selective and competitive graduate program, which takes just a few dozen applicants each year. At Kutztown, Frey will be able to graduate in 18 months and be certified to teach high school social studies in Pennsylvania. At UConn, it would have taken two years or longer. He also got engaged last summer, though he insisted that wasn't a factor in his move."

"This is a personal and life decision for me," Frey said in a statement. "I was going to be able to begin my graduate studies at UConn this fall and play another season for the school. I want to thank everyone associated with the University, who gave me the opportunity to come back for the 2011 season."

Maybe I'm missing your point?

 

[gioff23]

I don't want to compare us to Boise or Auburn, but prestigious schools like UNC, UVa, Vandy, Stanford, ND, etc. find ways to get athletes who would otherwise not qualify for admission. We sometimes look like we are trying to be Harvard and vetting candidates for the squash club team. Think of the "commits" we have lost in just the last 2-3 years.

 

[huskymedic]

I don't want to compare us to Boise or Auburn, but prestigious schools like UNC, UVa, Vandy, Stanford, ND, etc. find ways to get athletes who would otherwise not qualify for admission. We sometimes look like we are trying to be Harvard and vetting candidates for the squash club team. Think of the "commits" we have lost in just the last 2-3 years.

Agreed that it looks as described @ times- but we also don't know just how bad the high school, juco or college transcripts were/are in some cases. I'm also sure we have some borderline academic athletes that the school has taken a chance on and are thriving.

 

[Waquoit]

I don't want to compare us to Boise or Auburn, but prestigious schools like UNC, UVa, Vandy, Stanford, ND, etc. find ways to get athletes who would otherwise not qualify for admission. We sometimes look like we are trying to be Harvard and vetting candidates for the squash club team. Think of the "commits" we have lost in just the last 2-3 years.

Exactly.

 

[freescooter]

I have mixed feelings on this. On the one hand, I like the idea of academic integrity and excellence. On the other, given where we are, you mean to tell me we can't find space for one or two guys who have exceptional talent among 3500 incoming freshmen? Given the differences in the sports it isn't exactly comparable, but let's be honest, the basketball program hasn't exactly been held to the Rhodes Scholars only standard. They have managed to get acceptances from some highly questionable characters, both academically and socially over the years. Allowing coaches a couple of those each year is just a part of doing business at this level, isn't it?

 

[Waquoit]

It sure is. Back when UConn sucked in hoop they used rigorous academic standards as an excuse. John Bagley gets into BCU but not UConn? All schools take flyers, even Duke.

 

[Adios]

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9267427/ex-detroit-lions-receiver-titus-young-arrested-third-week

Again!