Walk-On U

“Walk-On U” illustrates the incredible phenomenon of the “College Walk-on.” Depicting the ugly, the bad, and the good, this book is about survival, education, mental toughness, and character building of student athletes who, without athletic scholarships and true to their talents, walk-on the team in search of a dream. The seldom discussed realities of true Walk-On experiences will cover everything from heart, determination, patience, and sheer will of these hope-to-be student athletes as they attempt to conquer massive amounts of adversity and abuse while they willfully pay to practice. This book is about achieving a humbling internal victory, (not seen by the fans), both on and off the field, providing building blocks for future success in life after sports. Interviews across the country from former Walk-Ons, scholarship players, coaches, equipment managers, and trainers will illustrate and substantiate the actual culture of drudgery walk-ons endure. Because of harsh treatment and few rewards, most successful Walk-Ons come away from their experience with more knowledge than their counterpart scholarship athletes and better prepared to face the oncoming world. This book will show that a Walk-On need not ultimately receive a scholarship or play on Saturdays in front of 80,000 people to earn respect or be considered a success story. The never-ending desire to get up after being knocked down and keep coming back over and over again against all odds and reasonable expectations of hope give Walk-Ons the power to conquer their fears and prepare for success in their daily lives, relationships and vocations. This educational and enlightening book is for any of the 8 million high school athletes who are considering walking-on for a college sports team should their dreams of earning an athletic scholarship not come true. After reading these stories, some will conclude that this is not an experience they wish to bear. Others will see an incredible opportunity and challenge, and grasp the chance. Being armed with the information in this book will help these athletes in making sound judgments which can ultimately affect the choice of school, career path, and life direction. The shocking, appalling, and outrageous statements revealed from Walk-Ons of yesterday will provide for a fascinating read that will leave adult sports fans with amazing accounts of heartbreaking testimony and hilarious recounts of unbelievable and mind-blowing stories. Finally, the book will challenge the NCAA members to overturn outdated and unjust rules governing Walk-Ons; from training table to transferring schools. The lowly, disrespected walk-on becomes a leader in the making fueled by passion with purpose. The daily despair becomes the stimulant to conquer their tested will through insurmountable odds forcing them to achieve their greatest potential. It is when their best is brought forth that perceptions change, respect sets in, and opportunities arise. This Walk-On journey becomes a life changing transformation; these under the radar, high-flying overachievers are awarded coveted membership into Walk-On University. No matter the college or university across the country, there is bound to be a satellite campus secretly called, “Walk-On U.” “Walk-On U” is the brand that will feature and focus on the underdog players in college sports, primarily football. Through an ongoing series of books, web site, TV documentaries, annual awards banquet, and screenplay, the Walk-On will be exposed, showcased, publicized and celebrated. Author Tim Lavin was a “Walk-On” at the University of Southern California in 1988 against the advice of most. He literally fought his way into playing time and earned a scholarship. Following graduation, he received two NFL tryouts. His emotional journey has inspired him to create an educational, informational, and entertaining book, and a new brand, “Walk-On U.”