Service helps athletes find right college

      Randy Browner has his mind set on going to college, he's just not sure where.
      The only thing he is sure of is the National College Recruiting Association is going to get him there.
      "They've been wonderful so far," Browner said. "Before they came along I had received only two letters, but since I joined them I've had 16 letters arrive."
      Ed Severance, association director for Southern Nevada for the past 6 1/2 years, said it's his company's reputation that gets high school athletes college scholarships.
      In business since 1982, the recruiting program helps high school athletes in three ways: exposure, academics and support in understanding the recruiting process.
      "We don't guarantee a scholarship, no program will," Severance said. "But what we do guarantee is that they will get a good number of college coaches and recruiters contacting them."
      The association helps the athletes stand out by sending his or her profile to hundreds of coaches at schools that best match their athletic and academic abilities, and that will most likely make an offer. The profile is updated annually, provided the athlete joins at an age where the coaches can see the development.
      Browner, who will be a senior this fall, plays baseball at Eldorado High.
     He doesn't play for Eldorado's American Legion team, another avenue in attracting college scouts, because he took a summer job, so getting the word out via the recruiting association is even more important.
      "He has had several colleges contact him and we figured it's been from NCRA," said Browner's mother, Rebecca. "If my son can get some help it would be great ... because we're looking to get him a good education. So far, the NCRA has been very interesting."
      A one-time fee for the organization ranges on the athlete's year in school.
      Freshmen starts at $695, while junior college athletes are charged $495. Once registered with the association, the athlete is a member throughout his or her career.
      A organizational package is designed to help student-athletes learn effective study habits and stay on top of their core courses in order to qualify with the NCAA Clearinghouse.
      "We really push the academics," Severance said. "The coaches now realize it makes their program look better. And they have realized it's nice to have the kid stick around, rather than flunk out or suffer from being ineligible."
      Severance also said it's easier for the association to promote the kids in good academic standing.
      As far as the recruiting-process support, an Assistant Coach program for the family helps explain the scholarship procedure, NCAA requirements and ways to help the athlete reach his or her highest potential.
      In addition, the association has a series of programs to assist students with special needs, such as: StarTrac, an interactive computer program that teaches effective problem solving techniques and how to deal with potential distractions or barriers to reaching goals; SAT Preparation, including manual, sample tests and test-taking tips; and, Core Course tutorials for students needing assistance in the required core courses.
      The association also publishes BLUECHIP Illustrated, a publication within Student Sports magazine and one of the premier recruiting magazines for college football and basketball recruiters.
      The May's issue of BLUECHIP included a list of next year's top crop of senior's heading into the summer basketball circuit. Of the 50 names listed, 6-foot-4 swingman Kevin Gaines from Clark High was No. 42.
      "Just knowing all the things NCRA does for me, it boosts my confidence a lot more," Browner said. "When I play on the field, I tend to think of the notice I'm getting and try to take advantage of the situation more so now."
      Other local athletes currently represented include Las Vegas High volleyball standouts Cheri Hansen and Amanda Pfundstein. Severance said Hansen will likely sign to play at Dixie College next season, while Pfundstein will be a senior this fall.
      Also, Western graduate David Miller, who signed to play football at Robert Morris; and Amber Leavitt, a Cimarron-Memorial graduate who currently plays volleyball for Dixie College, but gets representation since she is still in junior college.
      "I believe in sticking it out with these kids to the end," Severance said. "They pay for a service and I won't let them go without getting their full worth. Once they're signed, it's truly a dream for not only them, but also for myself."