Important Factors in Accepting an Athletic Scholarship: Weather

With many senior athletes throughout the country coming to decisions or at least narrowing things down this time of year, I think it is important to break down a number of factors in the decision process. There will be a variety of things that I cover here and in the future so it is something to keep an eye on if you want to learn more about some important aspects in the college decision.

It may seem like a minor thing but weather really should play a roll in your eventual college decision. Weather is something that you will be forced to deal with all year so keep it in mind before signing your name on that Letter of Intent.

The first thing is to look at what type of weather the school has all year. If you are from the south and looking at Midwest schools, there is a good chance that things will change rather quickly. You will likely be taking your official visit during the winter so you will at least get a taste of what it is like to have to wear a coat at all times as well as a hat and gloves.

If you are a football player, this will be the type of weather that you will be playing in during much of the season. The majority of your practices will be outside as well as 90% of your college games (If not more).

The same holds true if you are from a colder climate making the move down to Florida, California, or Arizona. Chances are high that you will not be used to the high temperatures during the summer, which is exactly when you will be honing your skills during the off-season.

For basketball players, chances are good that you will be doing most of your work in the gym. And at the Division I level, these schools will be cranking the air conditioning and keeping the gym cool. Weather will not factor into playing but will make a difference when you walk to class or leave basketball practice.

Many baseball players from the colder regions like to go South so they can play their sport of choice all year round. Schools in the Midwest have to deal with indoor practice but it is definitely not the same as playing on the baseball diamond in February.

The first weather related decision should be related to your sport. Will this hamper your ability to perform at a high level? Or is it something that you can adjust to? You will be around this type of weather a great deal in your sport so get used to it.

The second factor that weather will play is outside of your sport. Can you swelter through a summer of 105 degrees or a winter of -5? Think about these things before making that final decisions.

This may not be one of the most important factors in that final college decision but definitely needs to be thought about before ending the recruiting process. Weather can make some home sick and that never ends up being a good situation.

Previous recruiting specific articles to look at:

• Football Recruiting Advice for Quarterbacks
• Football Recruiting Advice for Running Backs
• Football Recruiting Advice for Wide Receivers
• Football Recruiting Advice for Tight Ends
• Football Recruiting Advice for Offensive Linemen
• Basketball Recruiting Advice for Point Guards
• Basketball Recruiting Advice for Shooting Guards
• Basketball Recruiting Advice for Small Forwards
• Basketball Recruiting Advice for Power Forwards
• Important Factors in Accepting an Athletic Scholarship: Location
• Important Factors in Accepting an Athletic Scholarship: Athletic Facilities
• Important Factors in Accepting an Athletic Scholarship: The Coaching Staff
• Important Factors in Accepting an Athletic Scholarship: Academics
• Important Factors in Accepting an Athletic Scholarship: Cost