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High school athletes, college coaches relying on internet for recruitment decisions

With high schools closed and spring sports seasons canceled, athletes are worried they could miss out on college scholarships.

Typically, during the spring months – right now through the end of May – college coaches would be visiting schools like Pine Richland to watch players work out, run routes and more to see if they are a good fit for their programs.

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But due to the COVID-19 pandemic, players and coaches all had to adapt.

“For football, I’m just lifting and then doing stuff in my backyard and speed work and like catching,” said Pine Richland junior Eli Jochem.

Jochem and his teammate, Miguel Jackson, both have goals of playing collegiately at respected programs with good academics.

However, neither one can go visit colleges right now, see the football programs or meet coaches in person.

During this evaluation period, coaches and players are both having to rely on social media, FaceTiming players and watching their game films.

Summer camps and the fall season are still in question, but players and coaches are staying optimistic.

If you have a student who is missing their high school sports, send us a picture here!