Back in the day, athletes at the high school level were sought out by the colleges and universities that fielded notable athletic programs. Athletes who participated in traditional sports didn’t have to do much to gain attention from college scouts and sports recruiters. If you were good enough, colleges found you.
Today’s high school athlete interested in playing at the collegiate level faces more challenges when it comes to securing a spot on a college roster. The recruiting experience can be very stressful for high school athletes unfamiliar with all the rules and regulations attached to college sports participation. Factor in the need for them to practically “market” themselves in order to be considered; well, it’s a process not for the faint of heart or the uninformed.
Enter Greg Hudgison and his new business venture of navigating high school athletes through the land mines of high school sports recruitment. Hudgison, managing partner of H Media Group, began his association with the national company Athletes for College earlier this year. The concept behind his services is to act as a sports recruiter for local athletes serious about attending college on an athletic scholarship.
“I am not focused on those top one percent athletes, the superstars or the ones who are already getting noticed and will be attending the well-known Division I schools,” Hudgison says. “I have a more realistic approach. My goal is to help those solid student-athletes who may not know how to get the process started for an athletic scholarship. The ones who are getting overlooked but still have the potential to go to college on an athletic scholarship.”
The media and public relations field has given Hudgison an insight into the world of marketing personalities, but he has a more personal reason as to why he feels his agency is needed in this area.
“I have three sons,” he says. “They played sports. They went to college. It’s a different world now. I have seen how complicated it can be. If you are an athlete wanting to attend college on a scholarship, you have to sell your ability. Most young people and their parents have no idea where to begin.”
Hudgison came upon the idea of becoming a recruiter for high school athletes almost by accident. He was looking for career opportunities to expand his media business when he stumbled across Athletes for College. The California-based company’s website describes itself as a “Scholarship Placement Service that identifies collegiate-level athletes in high school and assists them in obtaining athletic scholarships in NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA, and junior colleges”. 
Once he settled on the company, Hudgison had to pass the certification required by Athletes for College. It was an in-depth testing which included the rules and regulations set forth by NCAA for recruitment of athletes.
After he cleared that hurdle, the Columbus resident set up appointments to meet with local high school principals to introduce himself and explain his services. He has met with several area coaches and athletic officials as well.
“I am going to be seen at a lot of athletic events,” Hudgison says. “I will be talking with athletes and taking video. I just wanted them to know about me and why I am there.”
Once an athlete comes on his radar and is a candidate for the services, Hudgison begins the process, which includes creating a profile for the athlete. There is a standard form for the athlete to complete. Eventually, Hudgison submits the athlete’s profile to the company. If accepted, the relationship begins between the athlete and Hudgison, backed by the national company’s expertise in the area of scholarship securement.
“I want to be able to help that athlete understand the need for academic standards and the type of overall personality colleges are looking for when they are recruiting,” he says. “Helping parents and athletes reach the goal of getting the athlete to college is what this is all about.
Hudgison admits many colleges have scholarship slots that go unnoticed by athletes who may have unrealistic expectations about attending big, well-known schools. Those colleges only serve a very small percentage of all high school athletes, while many smaller schools, less “branded” colleges, or athletic programs in other areas of the country can provide high school athletes with a great college experience and exceptional study programs.
One segment of the athletic population often overlooked in the recruiting process is the female athlete. Colleges and universities offer many options for today’s female athlete with more scholarships available than ever before. Hudgison would like to see more of this area’s female high school athletes attend college on athletic scholarships and also help both male and female athletes develop skills that will last beyond collegiate athletic play.
“I hope to grow this business to provide services to high school athletes not offered by schools and athletic programs in preparation for not just sports participation at the next level but to be successful following their college experience,” Hudgison says.
Anyone interested in finding out more about Hudgison’s sports recruitment services may contact him directly via phone at (706) 566-6079 or by visiting the Athletes for College website, HYPERLINK “http://www.athletesforcollege” www.athletesforcollege.com.
Columbus Valley/Special feature/December 2015
Greg Hudgison
Columbus, Ga.
By Beth Welch
Photos courtesy of Greg Hudgison
