Oct. 5, 2005

Columbia, Mo. - In an effort to educate high school students about NCAA eligibility and recruiting rules, University of Missouri Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance Mitzi Clayton travels to high schools throughout the state and gives presentations on the recruiting process and NCAA initial eligibility requirements.

Clayton recently visited Parkway South High School and Rockhurst High School, both in Kansas City Mo., where she talked with over 100 student-athletes and their parents and educated them on the importance of a strong high school academic core in their pursuit of a collegiate athletic eligibility.

"Being eligible after high school is a critical step in the process of becoming a student-athlete," Clayton said. "The NCAA has implemented more stringent rules for student-athletes to remain eligible while in college, so it is very important for a high school student to be aware of and meet the initial eligibility standards as they prepare for the college curriculum that lies ahead."

Other topics included in Clayton's presentations are the National Letter of Intent, the Amateurism Clearinghouse and financial aid. Clayton believes that student-athletes should be educated about NCAA rules early in their career and welcomes the opportunity to give more presentations to interested schools.

"I love to do this," Clayton said. "It's very important for high school students and their parents to have a solid understanding of NCAA rules as they go through the recruiting process."

To contact Clayton with questions concerning NCAA eligibility and recruiting rules, please email her at claytonmr@missouri.edu.