“The biggest hurdle to overcome in recruiting to NAU is perception,” Murphy said. “Once kids come to campus, once they get to Flagstaff, they’re blown away by our facilities, by the environment, the scenery, the school. I think before that, they have this image in their mind that NAU is a second-rate institution with second-rate facilities. And that’s not reality.”Murphy is entering his second season at the Big Sky Conference member.
Being new allows the selling of a vision -- after three or four years that is no longer an option. Kids will take a chance on newness and the possibility of becoming one who helped turn around and establish a program.
Getting prospects to visit is the largest hurdle for the 99%-ers as no visit equals no chance. Opposing coaches gladly reinforce any negative image of a school and friends/family are likely to ask 'why are you checking out that place?' when a heretofore cellar dweller is the subject of the conversation. The further away a kid lives from the perception problem institution, the sell is easier, though not easy.
But once on campus, 'reality' can be orchestrated (if need be) and the red carpet sales pitch unrolled. The VIP treatment can also include meeting with the athletic director or even the president of the school.
Most programs do a little squeezing for a commitment before the player gets back on his plane. Sometimes that works, sometimes not. Without getting a 'yes' within a few days post-trip, the odds of landing someone get lesser.
A final thought: having Mountain West Conference membership isn't a cure-all but it sure beats trying to sell the Big Sky Conference.
No comments:
Post a Comment