Ron Polk Resigns

College baseball will miss Coach Polk. Miss State is really down this year. They got swept last weekend by South Carolina (no shame in that), but perhaps he's tired of the battles and has lost some of his passion.

I have been fortunate to know Coach Polk since the mid 90's when my son was being recruited---I still remember the education he gave me regarding the instate Mississippi situation for student athletes---he informed me that college baseball is a business as well as a sport and my son being an out of state student was worth three equal players from in state--it had nothing to do with talent but the simple economics involving players of equal talent ---he will be missed but not by the NCAA ---that is for sure

Coach is riding off into the sunset on his own terms I am sure ---Good Luck Coach Polk!!!

TR - I assume when you mean your son would cost him 3 instate players, it is related to scholarships. Meaning that the cost of attendance is higher for the out-of-state kid, so more $$ would apply to him, and since in-state tuition is less, he could get a couple of kids for the price of yours (or any out-of-state kid).

If I'm right, that means not only was he limited in the *number* of scholarships, but probably limited by the school in the *amount* of scholarships he could give out as well.

Interesting point that I never considered. That means alot of coaches would prefer to get in-state kids as opposed to getting the diversity of out-of-state kids because it costs them more $$, and therefore, a lesser number of kids he can give money to.

goMO

Basically a scholarship for an out of state player was equal to three in state scholarships

I guess he found his way around that over the years since I know of players there who were given in-state tuition and had never even visited the state before. This practice is not unique to only that program. My son was offered in-state tuition to 2 schools when he was in the process.

Maybe it would cost him 3 in state players because they had a package deal for three really good kids and TR's son would have taken one of the kids positions. I have seen, at least at the JC or DIV II or III, where 3 kids from the same HS stay together at college. Growing up I saw a kid get his 2 buddies on the team at a local D III in basketball. Of course he was 6'7", athletic and could nail 3's. The coach didn't seem to mind and probably thought it was a great deal.

a state can charge in-state tuition to an out-of-state student??? doesn't sound very ethical..

quote:

Originally posted by goMO:
a state can charge in-state tuition to an out-of-state student??? doesn't sound very ethical..

Happens all the time. Not only with athletics either. I've heard that some states don't allow it, but most that I've heard of do. My son was offered in state tuition for both academics and athletics in two different states.

interesting. So I guess that's a negotiating point, and if they want you bad enough, they can bend the rules. I guess I'm stuck on how they could allow it for some, but not for all.

Gomo,
That's like asking why do they offer scolarships for athletes and not the general population. The fact is, they do.

It's all about what you bring to the campus. Bring the big brain, and they'll make concessios. Bring the big bat, they'll make concessions.

Polk has frequently said in his next life he would be a women's golf coach.

Is it that NCAA Golf has 6 scholarships or he's reaching out for a better side?

Or that MSU third and highest preseason national ranking picked 23rd in the 2008 USA TODAY/ESPN Top 25 coaches’is vastly over-rated,

Or where Polk could be watching a 5-25 W-L conference in 2008?

maybe its just semantics. Giving an out-of-state kid the in-state rate my just be through grants, academic money, etc. and it nets out to be the same as in-state.

To just say "we'll give you the in-state rate" seems a bit odd.

Could just be me not understanding the realities...

First of all it was an absolute pleasure to get to know Coach Polk during the time he recruited my son. After my son decided to stay in state Coach Polk sent a hand written letter that I have framed and have hung on the wall. In the letter it talked about how much he enjoyed getting to know my son and what a great young man he felt he was. He went on to wish him success not only in baseball but in life as well. I could go on but you get the point. Coach Polk is a college baseball legend. I can only speak of my experience but it was all first class all the way. I wish him all the best and I hope he truly enjoys his retirement. Best of luck Coach!

I never had the pleasure of meeting Ron Polk, but have read many of his papers. Happy retirement coach!

As far as instate tuition to out of state students at USC Upstate:

scholarships

Out-of-State Fee Waivers
Students who are not residents of South Carolina and who receive USC Upstate Athletic or Foundation Scholarships, or USC Upstate Undergraduate Assistantships valued at $250 or more each semester may qualify for a waiver for out-of-state fees. The following conditions must be met to qualify for the fee waiver.

The award must be made in writing to the student before the end of late registration for each semester and prior to the student paying his tuition. Notification of the award must be forwarded to the financial aid office prior to the end of late registration for each semester. Scholarships or undergraduate assistantships that are awarded after the end of late registration for each semester will not result in a refund of out-of-state fees

Coach May says it best... Coach Polk is a legend. I've had the pleasure of knowing him for a long time and someday (it won't ever happen) I would like to know what he knows about baseball. And I'm not talking about just college baseball. He is a true legend!

He has helped so many, some big name guys, but even some not so big name guys, such as people like me.

Unfortunately - the NCAA bureaucratic (and politically motivated) machine hasnt a clue about what Coach Polk has meant to this game.

It really is a shame - and it should be an embarassment to all that have allowed (directly or indirectly) the NCAA to do what they have done to collegiate baseball players . IMO.