Welcome to Interview #81
I am pleased to share with you the wisdom of NAIA Baseball Coach of Southeastern University, Adrian Dinkel.
Dinkel is in his first year at Southeastern after spending five seasons at Sterling College in Kansas as the head coach. During his time at Sterling, Dinkel led the team to the NAIA National Tournament five times, advancing to the World Series in 2013 and 2016.
At Sterling, his teams compiled a 232-77 record and a 3.0 team grade point average.
Coach Dinkel’s full bio is at the end of the interview.
Why do you think athletes should consider an NAIA college? What are the benefits of an NAIA school specifically?
NAIA offers the option to further the student/athletes playing career because they either were overlooked or academics withheld them from NCAA.
For some it is the opportunity to continue education in a smaller classroom setting.
At Some NAIA’s like D2 (NAIA has two divisions as well. D2 is the smaller division), it may be the opportunity to get on the field earlier in their career.
What can or should high school athletes do from their end to get on your radar screen? If a baseball player personally contacts you by phone or email, what will you do next?
- Be good at your sport and be able to play college athletics.
- Fit a need.
- Fit the Universities mission.
We will write the name down and begin to do research on certain athletes. To be fair, the athlete will need to stick out if sending emails. There are so many recruiting services that flood our inboxes daily with athletes, to which 75% of them cannot play at a higher level. The student needs to highlight their best tool, something to catch attention instantly.
For an NAIA school, how and when are scholarships offered? How much time do athletes typically have to respond?
Scholarships in the NAIA can be offered year around. Most offers are verbal from the coach and then put in paper form via email.
Each offer has a different time frame. With no signing date in NAIA it allows for this. Having coached in NJCAA and NCAA levels, and having signing periods we were strict on timeline. However we will not leave the offer out for a long periods of time.
Should prospective athletes bring up scholarships with coaches or wait on the coach to initiate that discussion?
Wait for the coach. With limited scholarships on the baseball side, it becomes a puzzle with scholarships. When we know what we can offer, we will.
Could you share, in whatever detail you are comfortable, what the athletic scholarship break down looks like on your roster?
As stated previously; with limited scholarships, money is spread out. Some students that we consider impact players in an impact position tend to receive more. No one here is getting a full ride.
What are some things that would keep you from recruiting a player?
Information from coaches or opposing teams. Here is the list you don’t want to be on.
- Bad teammate
- Bad work ethic
- Selfish
- Parents are too involved in a negative way
- Trouble maker
- Posting inappropriate thing’s on social media.
These are ALL ways to be crossed off of a coach’s list quickly.
What is the role of the parent in the recruiting process?
Parents should be involved. They need to ask the questions the student is afraid to ask. We want the family to feel it is the right fit. However they should let the athlete make the final decision.
What do prospective college baseball players need to do as far as game film or a high light video is concerned?
- Show your swing
- Arm strength
- Velocity
- Pop time
Get to the point. We don’t need all the extra stuff.
Southeastern is a Christian school. What are differences that recruits should think about when choosing a religious school?
We want students who understand:
- What it means to be men of Christ.
- Our mission.
- How to live a Christ like life.
We understand everyone is at different walks with their faith. We just expect them to be open and grow.
What was your own recruiting story like?
I was heavily recruited, did not go to events. I was just found.
Bonus Question: Is there anything important that you would like to share directly with high school athletes or baseball players in particular as they navigate the recruiting process?
Get out and showcase yourself, however if you are good you will be found. Make sure it’s the right fit. Don’t commit to a place for money or the name only.
Profile:
Dinkel is in his first year at Southeastern after spending five seasons at Sterling College in Kansas as the head coach. During his time at Sterling, Dinkel led the team to the NAIA National Tournament five times, advancing to the World Series in 2013 and 2016. At Sterling, his teams compiled a 232-77 record and a 3.0 team grade point average.
What To Do If You Don’t Know What To Do
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Bryan
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Thanks,
Bryan