Managing the leap from high school to college athletics

Equinox Darien and Milford-based Competitive Edge hosted a panel with athletes and coaches Feb. 6 at Equinox Darien.

From left, Eric Pellini; assistant track coach at New Canaan High School; Courtney Bennett, former Darien High School lacrosse player, Kevin Rusch, owner of Competitive Edge;; Marj Trifone, head girls swimming coach at Darien High School; Rob Trifone; head football coach at Darien High School.

The topic was “the myths and realities of the college recruiting process.”

More than 40 people attended.

Recruiters and coaches shared tips for athletes to leverage their competitiveness with academic achievements as a means to open options in the college recruiting process.

Panelists included Lee Jones, who moderated, and Kevin Rusch of Competitive Edge; Eric Pellini, assistant track coach at New Canaan High School; Rob Trifone, head football coach at Darien High School; Marj Trifone, head girls swimming coach at Darien High School; and Courtney Bennett, former Darien High School lacrosse player.

From left, Kim Ruvolo of Equinox Darien; Kris Ruby of Ruby Media Group, event organizer; and Lee Jones of Competitive Edge.

The discussion covered the likes of planning for admissions, understanding the recruiting process, requisite athletic and academic strategies, how to express interest in a school to get on its radar, when to start contacting coaches, the best way to get college exposure as an athlete, nutrition and the latest NCAA regulations.