Davidson College

Dad,

My son, Paul Petrulis, played with Assistant Coach Rick Bender at Davidson, at Oak Park and River Forest High School (West suburban Chicagoland) in the late '80's, early '90's.

One of the nicest guys you'll ever meet.

One of my son's best friends in high school is a two-position player and a rising senior there. If interested in talking with his father, send me a PM, and I'll give you his contact info.

The combination of the experience of playing for Dick Cooke and receiving a Davidson education has always seemed like a near-perfect one for the academically-oriented player.

Hi--Regarding the recruiting process at Davidson, Coach Cooke told me, himself, last weekend that Davidson has the most unique situation in all of D-I. Because I am currently going through the process now, I have some knowledge that may be beneficial. Also, if you haven't visited the school, if at all possible, please do. First, Coach Cooke and his staff are top-notch. The baseball schedule that they play is tough (Southern Conference) and they also play tough teams in the NC/SC area, as well as other tough teams from time to time, like Auburn, for example. You will have to be accepted to Davidson first--and that's not anywhere near as easy as it sounds. Further, there is only a limited number of funds available for scholarships, but Davidson meets 100% of your demonstrated financial need. At about $40K a year, roughly, your chunk of the pie may well be large, but I believe that it is worth it. The education your son will receive at Davidson, both on the field with Coach Cooke and his staff, as well as off the field, will place him in an elite grouping at graduation. With dedication and hard work, it is possible to be drafted from Davidson--I believe they have had 4 players in the past 5 years drafted. Pitchers will rate the bulk of the limited dollars available. I would suggest calling Coach Cooke and discussing any questions you have with him. He is likely the most approachable coach that I have ever met and his demeanor is perfect for success. Bottom line, it is tough to recruit players to go to Davidson, but they do a great job of finding talent from coast to coast, including California (would-be Stanford prospects, etc.) Some key things about my recent experience on campus were 1) You can walk just about anywhere in well under ten minutes...most places in 5 minutes or less; 2) The food is awesome and the choices are abundant; 3) A supervised and planned workout is part of the team's routine--I observed the team's workout in the weight room and was impressed...these players work hard; 4) 25% of the students are althetes, which means that there is always something going on and the students seem to all support each other's sports--the baseball team supports the rest of the sports, just like they support baseball; 5) Coach Cooke pitches to the hitters and, although I have not seen him pitch to batters yet, I am told that he is one of the best; and 6) The campus andits location are very, very nice--including the weather, which is a big plus. I hope my insight has helped you (and possibly others). Give Davidson a long, serious look if your son has the grades and SAT scores to get in.....they are student-athletes at Davidson--in that order....Academics are #1 and Baseball is #1a--as per Coach Cooke. I can't say enough positive things about Coach Cooke and his staff. Visit Davidson to find out what they offer. Go on a tour and spend some time there. I suspect you will feel the same as me, that it is unique and the offerings are plentiful. It doesn't hurt that US News and World Report (and others) ranks Davidson near the top of all schools nationwide, etc. Best of luck in your quest....it is most definitely an interesting ride!

Second everything that is said here about Coach Cooke--by far my favorite coach to talk to during my son's recruiting year. My S felt the southern location felt a bit too foreign for his taste, having been raised a California liberal democrat used to more diversity and larger places than Davidson (college and town). But everything else about it was impeccable.

I've heard that Davidson college might be one of the toughest schools in the country

I know a student there ( non athlete) who said don't come here unless you want to work very, very hard 24/7.

07BBD,

Send Pat'sdad a PM. His Son is a returning soph. Loves it....

Thank You to everyone who has responded to my question. A lot of great info that is sure to help.