This may be controversial for some here, but don't forget about the military academies. They have ROTC programs that will pay for your son's education. Prepare him to attend a USMA, or USNA through a military JUCO college which will offer your son a chance to become a commissioned officer, with the rank of first lieutenant at graduation. However it does require a 2 year active duty commitment with a 4 year reserve status thereafter in the any of the three main branches of the armed services through the National Guard. Which means fulfilling that commitment 1 week-end per month, and three weeks during the summer.
Being in the reserves thereafter is not a bad deal except he might end up in IRAQ if in the Army, but depends which branch ie..Navy, Air Force, etc.
Just for your information. The US Navy has a baseball program which is home based in San Diego
http://www.usnavybaseball.com/
Our son is going to a D1 JUCO in Kansas,we live in Arkansas. He had 3.5 GPA in high school but only a 21 on ACT, not a great student but was NCAA qualified. I was worried about the college credits being transferred. We went to a local four year univesity and had them look at the classes offered for the JUCO in Kansas. They made a file for him and told us exactly what classes would transfer and which classes to take. They were very helpful and we feel a lot better now about the "academic side" of the JUCO route. Not all colleges would do this but it might be worth a try 
Seems like Jucos just only offer the specific academic majors that culminate in a 2 year degree. His area of interest that you mentioned is probably found with the PE department, and don't forget that many academic programs are called 'transfer' degrees. Could be an Assoc. of Arts degree, could be an Associates of General Studies -whatever. It is a terrific block to transfer to a 4 year. But htere would have to be a commitment to stay at that particulkar juco for 2years. My kid graduated from juco this last May and is transferring this month as an incoming junior to concentrate in his degree studies. Hope this makes sense, I used a lot of words to stress the importance, or validity of a general studies assoc. degree.
A lot of you talked about Florida Jucos -----which programs do you recommend?
Your Basic Mom - You are absolutely correct. If my son stays at JUCO for two years, that's exactly what he would have - a general studies degree or an Associate in Arts and Sciences.
Lawdog Mom - That's a great idea, especially if you know where you want to go. The challenge comes in that four year schools all have such varied requirements and some may take some transfer classes and others may not. My son, for example, has no exact plan for where he'll go in a year or two. He's also not 100% sure of his major. Some four year schools do a better job than others in helping JUCO kids find career paths where their classes will transfer and that meet their other needs as well. That's one of the "cons" of going JUCO.
Lawdog Mom - That's a great idea, especially if you know where you want to go. The challenge comes in that four year schools all have such varied requirements and some may take some transfer classes and others may not. My son, for example, has no exact plan for where he'll go in a year or two. He's also not 100% sure of his major. Some four year schools do a better job than others in helping JUCO kids find career paths where their classes will transfer and that meet their other needs as well. That's one of the "cons" of going JUCO.
Fla. has some of the best JUCO baseball. Several of the better programs include, Manatee, St. Pete, South Florida and Brevard to name a few.
One thing I would like to add is that selecting a JUCO should be done as carefully as selecting a 4 year program. Two JUCO programs can be as different as day and night.
Some JUCO programs recruit top players and are very competitive to sign with. Others are a whole lot less selective. The same can be said for the academic end.
JUCO is not just an alternative to D1,11, or 111. It is a route that requires just as much research.
Some JUCO programs recruit top players and are very competitive to sign with. Others are a whole lot less selective. The same can be said for the academic end.
JUCO is not just an alternative to D1,11, or 111. It is a route that requires just as much research.
If you're considering a Florida JC, I'd recommend Lake City for 2 reasons.
1. A MLB scout told me that Coach Clark was the best coach in Florida 2 year or 4 year.
2. 9 drafted players this past year (most of JC). Lot's of scouts at every game.
1. A MLB scout told me that Coach Clark was the best coach in Florida 2 year or 4 year.
2. 9 drafted players this past year (most of JC). Lot's of scouts at every game.
My oldest plays JUCO in Texas and has had a great experience. The competition has been as good as many D1s and his conference had about 15 kids drafted this year. I understand JUCO ball may not be like this everywhere but it has been a good way for us after the four year schools didn't work out.
