Rams to Host NATS Test for 3rd Consecutive Year

"The St. Louis Rams will once again provide the team facility to assist the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association (IHSFCA) in conducting this years St. Louis NATS test. Michael Yarbrough, Manager of Community Outreach, commented, "The Rams are proud to be involved with IHSFCA and NATS in this valuable AFCA program."

The deadline to register for the IHSFCA NATS Test at the Russell Training Center (Home of the St. Louis Rams) is Wednesday, May 16. High school players from graduating classes 2008-2011 may register online at www.nats.us. No walk-ups are permitted. The NATS Test will be conducted on Sunday, May 20, 2007.

The NATS Test will provide participants with access to college football programs on the NCAA Division I, II, III, JUCO and NAIA level they otherwise would not have had. Nationwide, 450 colleges from 49 states are already using the NATS database for initial player evaluations. The NATS program is unique, in that it's not just a one day event. It is a year-round support system which provides not only athletic, but academic, support for young football players.

The St. Louis test will also feature an educational Seminar by The Princeton Review, which will focus on college entrance exam preparations and requirements for matriculation into institutions of higher learning.

AFCA Executive Director Grant Teaff says, "NATS brings together the high school and college coaching communities to better serve high school players who strive to continue their academic and athletic careers at the college level."

IHSFCA NATS State Director and NATS Board of Review member Tim Dougherty said, "I think our Association's NATS program will greatly assist our young kids in finding opportunities to play college football that they otherwise would not have had."

IHSFCA NATS Test Director, Tim Kane, added, "What makes the NATS program unique is that it's not just a one day event. It is a year-round support system -- providing student-athletes not only athletic, but academic support as well."

By testing players in speed, strength and agility drills, NATS assists college recruiters with player evaluations, enables players to gauge their true baseline athletic ability and helps both players and parents navigate the recruiting process. Student-athletes participating in NATS also receive valuable interactive tools assuring them of the correct high school course schedule to meet NCAA academic standards (Core Course Calculator).