Weber State added another hoops player to its squad today, a tall timber from Timpanogos named Ryan Van Pelt.
Van Pelt is a walk-on who will likely serve a mission after the season.
From WSU:
OGDEN, Utah – Weber State men’s basketball head coach Randy Rahe has announced that in-state standout Ryan Van Pelt will join the Wildcat basketball program beginning with the 2011-12 season.
Van Pelt is a 6-10, 210-pound forward from Timpanogos High School in Orem. He earned First Team All-Conference honors as a senior last season and was also a First Team All-Valley selection. He also received All-State honors when he was named to the Deseret News Honorable Mention 4A All-State Team.
“We are excited about Ryan joining our program,” Rahe said. “He is a very high character person, an excellent student and is highly motivated to improve his game. Ryan wants to be good and we are excited to have the opportunity to help him reach his potential. He has a bright future and will fit well within our program.”
As a senior last year Van Pelt averaged 15 points and 10 rebounds per game for the Timberwolves, coached by Nate Crandall. He led his team to the Utah State 4A playoffs. Van Pelt also played AAU basketball for Utah Pump N’Run.
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Maybe you can clear up the term “walk on” for me. I take it to mean “wasn’t recruited” and “has no scholarship offer.” Does that cover it, or are there some other elements to being a “walk on” on a college team? Most sports stories use the term on the assumption I suppose that sports savvy readers don’t need it explained. Probably true in most cases, but I could use a clear description of what it means, exactly.
Bob,
A walk-on is a player who does not have a scholarship. It doesn’t necessarily mean that a player wasn’t recruited — a walk-on may have had offers from lower division or even Division I schools, but really wanted to play for a specific school. Some programs have what they term “preferred walk-ons,” which usually means they’re guaranteed a spot on the team without going through an open tryout process like other walk-ons. It could also mean that the program doesn’t have a scholarship for them at the moment but will offer one if it becomes available.
Former Bonneville High football player Andrew Rich is an example of someone who walked on at BYU and eventually earned a scholarship and a major role with the team.
OK. Thanks. Was never quite sure what it meant. Simply “no scholarship.” Got it. TY again.