I read with interest Kandy Rossi’s recent editorial (“Athletic scholarships hinge on more than just ability,” March 22) expressing her disappointment that her son, Kip, did not receive a football scholarship to college.

It appears that she is very proud of her son’s academic and athletic accomplishments, and without a doubt, she should be.

The real reason her son did not receive a scholarship like four of his teammates had nothing to do with race, test scores, OR the incomes of the student athletes’ parents as she has been led to believe.

I should know because my nephew is one of those four student athletes, and he will be heading to Mississippi State University (MSU) later this summer.

As the son of a former NFL player and marketing executive, and the grandson of professional educators, I doubt very seriously that his family’s income or the color of his skin were the deciding factors when MSU offered him a scholarship.

There are several reasons why Kip was not recruited. First and foremost, Fayette County High School (FCHS) does not, and has not for as far back as I can remember, have a successful football program. They have had a losing season every year since my family moved to the Fayette County area six years ago. Losing teams do not attract the attention of college coaches and scouts.

Secondly, the coaching staff at FCHS did not put forth the effort to get Kip recognized by any college scouts. Coach Webb, or someone on his staff, should have contacted some college coaches to make them aware of Kip’s football abilities so a scout would come see him play, thereby giving him the exposure he needed to be considered for a scholarship.

Thirdly, unlike my sister, Mrs. Rossi obviously did not promote her son. My sister took her son to several college combines, allowing the coaching staff to see him in person, test his strength, time his speed, and measure his agility.

She obtained a copy of the game tape for every game he played in during his senior year, took them to a video store, and had a highlight tape made of my nephew that she sent to several colleges.

Then, she called the head coaches of those schools to inform them of her son’s interest in their program, took him to see a home football game at each school, and met the coaching staff. She did all of this for less than $200.

If FCHS had a successful football program, or if the coaches and Mrs. Rossi had promoted Kip, he would be on the road to fulfilling his dream and not still chasing it. With his accomplishments, it is unfortunate that Kip did not receive a college scholarship, but his mother’s attempt to diminish the success of his teammates reeks of sour grapes.

Stephany Walker
Fayetteville, Ga.

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