By Kyle LoJacono
Gaither pitcher and outfielder Zach Jackson committed to Barry University in March and made that pledge official when he signed his letter of intent April 14.
“It’s a great relief,” said Jackson, who plans to study marine sciences. “I don’t have to worry about scouting, which is a long process. I can just finish out my season.”
Jackson has been a varsity player since his freshman year and is one of only five seniors on the roster.
“He’s been a big leader, especially this year because we only have a few seniors,” said Gaither coach Frank Permuy. “We have several leaders, but he is the captain. Zach. leads by example and has a great work ethic. He’s relentless in his work ethic and he really wants the team to succeed. Just a model captain.”
Jackson is batting .244 with 10 RBI, five doubles and two home runs this year. In 2010 he posted a .404 batting average.
On the pitching mound he has a 3-2 record with 2.19 ERA and 21 strikeouts. He was 5-3 with a 3.80 ERA last year.
“He has pitched since his freshman year, but he’s had to come into the big games more this year,” Permuy said. “In the past he’s been an outfielder first and a pitcher second. Now he’s had to be both. He’s come through and pitched some big games for us.”
Jackson has also achieved in the classroom. He has a 5.09 weighted grade point average.
“I know grades are very important,” Jackson said. “My parents instilled in me since I was a kid to work in the classroom.”
Barry’s coaches told Jackson he has a chance to play both positions, which was one of several reasons he picked the school.
“It’s in Miami and I always wanted to go to the University of Miami growing up,” Jackson said. “I realized that wasn’t an option, so when Barry started looking at me it was a great opportunity. They have great academics and a great baseball reputation. I’ll have the chance to come in and compete for a starting job right away.”
Jackson will be heading to south Florida after the school year, but he will always remember playing for the Cowboys.
“I’ve loved playing here and playing for coach P,” Jackson said. “He’s always told us to be prepared. I’ve tried to take that to heart and always be prepared for any situation.”
–All stats as recorded by Maxpreps.com by coaches.
