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.
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.
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.