Local writer has book on scholarships guide

Brookfield native Mark Bercik wrote the book in memory of his father.
& lt;a href=mailto:scalzo@vindy.com & gt;By JOE SCALZO & lt;/a & gt;
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
BROOKFIELD -- When his father died in December of 2000, Mark Bercik wanted to do more than just remember him. He wanted to dedicate something to his memory.
So the Brookfield resident drew on his experience as a former Division I baseball prospect and decided to write a book that would help other athletes understand the college scholarship process.
Two years later, "America's Complete Sports Scholarship Guide" was born.
"It seemed like a lot of people were writing books that were just selling dreams," Bercik, a Brookfield High graduate, said. "They were telling kids that all they needed to do was read the book and they'd get a scholarship. They'd be getting bad advice from authors and recruiting services and a lot of times it was a rip-off.
"I wanted to write something that would tell it how it is."
Interviewed dozens
Bercik interviewed dozens of former college athletes, professionals, athletic officials and coaches -- most of them with area connections -- to put together an easy-to-read guide on the scholarship process.
"It's a special book with special connections to the Youngstown area," Bercik, a former pitcher at Ohio University, said. "I knew that I could speak about what I know, which was being a 16-year-old senior who signed a baseball scholarship. But I didn't know much about getting a football scholarship.
"So I decided to ask the people who do. That was the challenging part, but it was the fun part of it, too."
Bercik interviewed several current and former professional athletes, including Paul Maguire, Solomon Wilcots, Michael Zordich, Jeff Faine, Kelly Holcomb and Matt Wilhelm. The book also has advice from high school and college coaches, high school administrators and even some former athletes who didn't quite live up to their dreams.
"So many people have helped me put this together and the book is gaining some national attention, but before I did anything I wanted to help the local kids," Bercik, who also works as a security guard at Beeghly Medical, said. "That's my first priority."
On sale locally
The 272-page guide, which retails for $19.95, is available at Borders, Barnes and Noble, YSU's bookstore, Book Nook, Jump Stretch Fitness Center and the Jock Stop.
You can also find out more information -- or buy the book online -- at www.athleticscholarshipbook.com.