Two years ago, Bob Bianchi and Larry Barr tossed around a few
ideas about how to best market San Benito High athletes to
colleges. At the time, both had children involved with varsity
athletics at the school. But, now the two have no children at the
school, but yet, here they are.
Two years ago, Bob Bianchi and Larry Barr tossed around a few ideas about how to best market San Benito High athletes to colleges. At the time, both had children involved with varsity athletics at the school. But, now the two have no children at the school, but yet, here they are.
The pair, along with Ruth Nordstom, have joined together to form the SBHS College Connection, an organization whose intent is to put the Haybaler athlete into the proper collegiate institution. That doesn’t mean it will be a Division I, II, III or a junior college. It is all a matter of the proper fit betweent student/athlete and college.
The Mission Statement is to provide SBHS student-athletes and parents assistance in their college selection process. There is even a website – which will turn out to be the strength of the entire entity – called www.sbhscollegeconnection.org. The 2003 varsity football team will be profiled on the website by the middle of next week.
Bianchi hosted a dinner Wednesday evening at his home with Baler head football coach Chris Cameron, offensive coordinator Rick Dukes, girls varsity soccer coach Michael Schurig and head girls varsity head coach Tom Dean in attendence.
“I’m a little disappointed other coaches weren’t here,” said Bianchi, who addressed the approximate 15 in attendence. “But we’re in this for the long term.”
“I think it’s great that Bob is doing this,” said Dukes. “They’re putting a lot of work into this and they don’t have any kids at the school at all.”
Bianchi is in hot pursuit for Baler alumni to get involved with the program, in particular Baler alumni who have children attending the school and participating in athletics.
Much of the debate Wednesday evening involved club sports, as well as, Division I colleges vs. Division II or III recruiting process.
“A Division I college will find you no matter what,” said Cameron.
Bianchi, meanwhile, emphasized that attention needs to start at an early level.
“Kids need to look at a sport at a young age to jettison themselves,” said Bianchi. “The goal is to get a college diploma. That is their ticket out.”
Diane Barr, wife of Larry Barr and an elementary teacher at Cerra Vista Elementary School, went even further.
“We need to target the eighth graders,” said Diane, whose sons, Kris and NIk are receiving money to play water polo at Loyola Marymount University. “That’s where they learn to read. It’s too late by the time they are a senior.”
Still, Bianchi is convinced that the website will be the key.
“We’ll make all the athletes available on the website by way of profile,” said Bianchi. “And if a kid is interested in attending five different schools, we’ll email each of the schools.”
The Hollister Rotary Club is financing much of this endeavor, as well as, South Valley Internet, which is taking care of the website.
Ruben Lopez, class of 1954 of San Benito High, was also present Wednesday. Lopez, in charge of the San Juan Bautista Rotary Club, is on board for promoting Haybaler athletes.
“This is a great option for the athletes,” said Lopez. “We’ll be able to fit the right college for the athlete.”
“We’re just trying to assist the kids,” said Bianchi. “We’re trying to do what is best for the kid. The kids need to be educated, as well as, the parents.”
All future Haybaler team banquets will be accompanied by a talk by Bianchi, Larry Barr or Nordstrom.
“We don’t want to interfere with the big schools recruiting an athlete,” said Bianchi. “We’re just there to help and provide an outlet.”
