GREENSBURG, PA—Apollo Ridge senior Eric Jackson has signed on to become an inaugural member of the men’s basketball team at Seton Hill University. The team’s first season begins this fall and will compete in the NAIA Division II American Mideast Conference.

The 6’ 5” senior averages per game 20.9 points, 17.4 rebounds, 4.5 blocks, and 3.9 assists. Jackson scored his 1,000th career point on December 26, 2002. In his junior year, Jackson was named to the Indiana Gazette First Team, the Leechburg Tipp-Off All Tourney Team and the Apollo Ridge Christmas Tourney All-Tourney Team. Jackson was named “Player of the Week” by Leader Times and Valley News.

According to men’s basketball head coach Tony Morocco, Jackson will be a key building block for Seton Hill’s program. "Eric has tremendous strength and quickness for a player his size. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to develop his talents and to have him join the Seton Hill family."

Jackson, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Jackson, is enthusiastic about his decision to attend Seton Hill as well. He commented, “My family and I took the time to visit numerous schools, but Seton Hill just felt right for me. It has a great academic reputation but is small enough to present a hands-on education.” Jackson added, "The first time I spoke with Coach Morocco I felt a connection. He has a great reputation as a basketball coach and his experience and background are unique to this area. Right away I recognized the coaching staff's focus and commitment to their players.” Jackson's decision to attend Seton Hill comes after turning down an appointment to West Point Military Academy.

Jackson may also be among the first male two-sport athletes at Seton Hill as a member of the new men’s baseball program under head coach Marc Marizzaldi. Marizzaldi noted, “Eric's size and athleticism will make him a valuable asset to any sport that he chooses to be part of at Seton Hill. He exemplifies the well-rounded student-athlete that we plan to build many successes around."

For information on the men’s basketball program at Seton Hill University, please contact Coach Tony Morocco by e-mail at morocco@setonhill.edu or by phone at 724-830-1413.

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