Thank you for the nice article by Ted Knapp. The process of recruiting is very difficult for a 17-year-old who has worked very hard for the past four years.

Our son is Kip Rossi. As his parents, we appreciate very much the article validating our son and his character and desires. He is still chasing his dream.

At times it doesn’t seem fair or right, how the process of recruiting is done. We are finding out first-hand that it isn’t just about being an inch too short or a step too slow. Kip happens to be 6-feet 2-inches, 195 pounds, was first team defense Region 4 AAAAA, first team defense All Fayette-Coweta County team and first team defense All Fayette team. Team Captain and awarded the Outstanding Defensive Player Award by Coach Ramsey at the Fayette County High School football banquet, not to mention he was student-athlete of the week in October, Student of the Month for October in English and was on the Honor Roll with all A’s for the first semester.

What we are finding out, as we have been told by a Division I AA coach, and that Coach Webb has said to Kip, is that your race and test scores AND the incomes of the student athletes’ parents are unfortunately a more important factor in giving out scholarships (which are really grant money and aid) than our son’s accomplishments on and off the field.

We are very proud of Kip. Thank you, Mr. Knapp, for taking the time to express your gratitude and appreciation of these young men and their accomplishments.

Kandy Rossi
dtrossi (at) bellsouth.net