[Southeast Bluegrass]

This thread is about Whitehead, but I have to get a two cents worth on the NAIA. I wouldn't discourage any parents or kids from NAIA. Do some research. It is rated a better buy due to teacher student ratios, it's less of a business than D-1 where it's a money making machine, and it gives kids great opportunities to stay in stride and keep on playing. Riding the bench will run kids off too. Kids dropping out after one year is a lot of the parents fault being to soft. Kids straight out of high school get a taste if freedom and school/sports are the least of their concern. I know it wasn't for me. They may need held back a year to mature. My son stayed 4 years and graduated playing football. My daughter is now a junior playing softball and it's been very easy on my pockets. Oh, and many NAIA kids have gone pro.

[Quickkickonthird]

I agree with you on a couple of points Bluegrass. First, kids are, many times, to young to handle the freedom that college affords them. I started all 3 of my kids late to kindergarten and then held them back in middle school. There were all 19 when they graduated. As a matter of fact they were closer to 20. I calculated it so they would be eligible for all sports....my oldest son turned 19 in Sept his sr yr and my 2cd boy turned 19 in Oct. I just thought it would be better for the maturity factor. Both have graduated, one from UK and one from EKU. My 3rd is in her jr year at EKU with a 4.0 gpa. Secondly, NAIA schools, many times, offer outstanding educational opportunities. I sure would never discourage a child from considering an NAIA school just because of the size.

However, this thread being about Whitehead, Im sure that he will be a success at any school he decides to attend. From what I understand, they are getting a fine young man and I certainly understand his desire to play at UK. What Ky bred boy didnt imagine running onto the field at Commonwealth with that blue jersey on. I am just very happy for him.

[RunItUpTheGut]

Theres never been a question of whether or not NAIA schools are good academically. They are and have some of the finest professors in the state.
My point is, look at Cumberlands. Now, I know theres a difference in it being a private school but still. It is way to expensive. Ridiculously expensive.
I for example graduated from Eastern. Twice I might add. 6 years of school and 30000 in student loan debt later, ive got it made compared to others graduating with 100K in debt.

Consider your self extremely lucky if you get a scholarship because from what I can tell, a college education isn't the same pay off it was in the 60's and 70's. 9% of all graduates are unemployed when they graduate and over 20% are underemployed. The student loan debt is over 1 trillion dollars. Almost 10% of all student loan debts are in default. The system is broken. Inflation and schools rising tuition so they can build fitness centers and sports stadiums is ridiculous. Until someone fixes it, which I highly doubt looking at the way were going about our finances and health care, it just isn't what it use to be.

Now, as for someone with a scholarship or a walk on that can earn one, I say 100% go for it. You have nothing to lose. For those who are just going to school and plan on paying for it anyways, I wouldn't waste my time and take away from my studies by playing any sport without something in return for it.

[Bobcat_Dad]

The way this class is looking it could be a tipping point class for UK football. I am glad a Mountain kid gets to be a part of it!!!!

Congrats to Carson!!