Jason Scott

I know that a role coaching football in Division 3, doesn't mean that I'd just be coaching football, and I am hugely excited by that prospect. Choosing to study at a smaller school gives student-athletes an opportuntiy to enjoy a well-rounded collegiate experience that includes a balance of academics, athletics alongside the opportunity to pursue the wealth of other extra and co-curricular activities offered on campus.

 

As a staff member, it is our duty to reinforce those values, and to celebrate and embrace the 'Division 3 experience'. Throughout my time at Endicott College I wanted to get involved a much as I could, to really help accentuate the experience for as many students as I could.

 

SCHOOL SPIRIT

 

During my second year on campus, I noticed that athletics was not a central part of many students' lives - we had many successful teams at Endicott College, and I was curious to see why more people were not turning out to support the 'Blue and Green'.

 

I turned to the athletes themselves, and empowered them to create excitement across the campus, to help drive Endicott Athletics, and increase spectator turnout. Together we created a 'superfan' group - the 'Gull Revolution', complete with a twitter account, unofficial mascot, and a tongue-in-cheek marketing campaign.

 

The student athletes coordinated and organised pep rallies, leafleted all the rooms on campus, and really pushed the benefits of a united campus. I supported them throughout the process with social media and marketing campaigns, giving them ideas and encouragement along the way.

 

By the end of the the 2013-2014 academic year attendance at all sporting event had increased - on average - by 103%, and the Gulls had won eight conference championships, two ECAC championships, and nine appearances in the NCAA tournament.

 

The students who were part of the 'Gull Revolution' organising committee not only benefited from the increased support when they were on the field, but they also learned valuable skills in developing and executing the concepts that they devised.

 

IN THE CLASSROOM

 

I always emphasise that in the world of student-athletics, the word 'student' comes first - they have chosen to go to that specific place of higher learning to study, and the fact that they get to participate in athletics is an added bonus.

 

Whilst I coached at Endicott College I held weekly meetings with students in my position group who were in danger of falling behind in the classroom, or students who were struggling with their academics or attendance. I wanted them to know that I was there to support and help them - I was not a stick to beat them with if they failed a test. I wanted them to succeed, and I wanted them to get the help they needed - in many cases, I worked with the learning center to secure a peer tutor for them, giving them another student to bounce ideas off in a more informal manner.

 

I helped coordinate our weekly study hall, which was compulsory for all freshmen, and all students who fell below the team's average GPA. We wanted to make sure that those 'at risk' students had a quiet place to work and study each week; a place where they could focus without any distractions.

 

VOLUNTEERING IN THE COMMUNITY

 

I was hugely fortunate to be heavily involved in the community out-reach programs; empowering our student-athletes to volunteer, and be part of something bigger than themselves. Our football program were huge supporters of the Blood Drive, and many took part in events such as the 'Safe Trick or Treat' and 'Easter Egg Hunt' for local young people. Our football program cleared waste ground, donated toys, built playgrounds, and helped clear tonnes of snow from local parking lots.

The 2014 Endicott football team were also lucky enough to volunteer to be part of 'Team Impact', a charity that seeks to improve the quality of life for children facing long-term or chronic illnesses, by partnering them with a local college athletic team. That year the Gulls signed 'Vince Skelton' - a 15 year old boy from Ipswich High School. Vince was an ever present at our games that season, and turned up to our off-season workouts and social events. Now, aged 18, he has just accepted a scholarship at Endicott College!

 

ENRICHMENT AND STUDENT ACTIVITIES

 

I have a very strong background in working in Enrichment and with Student Activities; I was elected as President of Loughborough Students' Union in 2004, and followed that up with roles working at Derby College Students' Union and New College Nottingham Students' Union.

 

I had a fantastic time whilst studying for my undergraduate degree, so stood for election on the premise that every student should enjoy their time at University. I was driven to ensure that every student should squeeze as much as they could from their time in Higher Education, so during my term of office I devised and introduced the 'Loughborough Experience Award' - a series of accolades given to students who selflessly put the enjoyment of other students first. Whether through coaching, volunteering or participating in clubs and societies, I felt it was important that the entire sphere of student life was celebrated.

 

Over my time working in enrichment, I have helped raise thousands of pounds for charity, organised three residential trips across Europe and organised several seminars with local businessmen, politicians and people of note. I want to make sure that the students we work with make the most of their opportunties, because - if they're not careful - they'll blink and their college career will be over.

 

THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS

 

I truely enjoy the entire admissions procedure, and I recognise the huge responsibilty that a coach plays in guiding young people through the process. When it comes to chosing a college, they are making a decison that will change the rest of their lives for ever - it's important that we're honest and frank, but also enthusiastic about the opportunities that our colleges present.

I enjoy getting to know the prospects' personalities, characteristics and individual needs and wants, I love building a rapport with them and their families, and helping them make the decision that will - hopefully - unlock a lifetime of happiness and success!

 

During my time at Endicott, I worked to help recruit student-athletes from all over the United States; from California to Indiana, from North Carolina to Texas, from Tennessee to Puerto Rico I managed to attract fantastic student-athletes to Beverly, Massachussets; students who went on to be great ambassadors for our team in the college and local community.

 

I have attended recruiting fairs from New Jersey to Maine, attended and worked at skills camps, and enjoy contributing to the joint Athletic Department effort at Open House events. I love meeting new people, and have absolutely no problem striking up a conversation - the added advantage of having a different background (and accent) is that I am always memorable, and always have an anecdote to tell!