By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 9/18/19
Eric Jackson, who built Avon Grove into a Philly lacrosse power from scratch and is a two-time Phillylacrosse.com Coach of the Year, has retired as boys’ coach after 19 seasons at the helm.
Jackson, who led the Devils to the 2017 PIAA Class AAA championship, said he wanted to spend more time with his wife, Teresa and his high school children, Jake and Sara.
“I felt it was the right time to be more present for my family and support my kids in all their experiences,” he said.
“Words can’t express how much the past 19 years have meant to me. It has been an amazing journey and one in which I am grateful, thankful and appreciative of so many things.
“Most importantly are the people, players, families, and friendships that I will miss the most and always cherish. Avon Grove is a truly special place. The culture is something that I feel extremely honored to have been a part of.”
Jackson won 235 games, four Ches-Mont League titles and two District 1 titles. The 2017 state crown came in double-overtime, 5-4 over Conestoga.
Jackson played high school lacrosse at Arundel High (MD) and was a two-time All-American for West Chester when it was a Division II program. He began his coaching career as an assistant at Upper Darby. He was head coach at Westtown for two years and also an assistant at Unionville for a year before starting the Avon Grove program in 2001.
Avon Grove moved up to varsity status in 2002. In 2013 Jackson won a share of his first Ches-Mont crown and also his first District 1 title, helping him earn the first Phillylacrosse.com Coaching honor.
He also took Avon Grove to the state final in 2014 when it fell to Penncrest. Jackson won Ches-Mont crowns in 2016-18.
“First of all, he loves all his players and he knows them well,” said former Devils midfielder Scooter Whiteside, a key member of the 2017 state title team now at Monmouth. “He knows when to push and when to let them go do their thing. Every game we felt prepared. He puts the time in scouting and putting us in a comfortable position.”
Jackson also built the Avon Grove youth program, which helped him slowly feed the high school program with consistent talent in an area of Southern Chester County that was not considered near the hotbeds found in the Main Line or West Chester areas.
“When I first started the high school and youth teams I could have never imagined the impact that lacrosse would have in the community and the experiences that would be shared along the way,” Jackson said. “I feel very lucky to be a part of that.
“I am proud of what AG lacrosse has become and the reputation and culture that is now a standard in the program. I am confident that everything is in place for that level of success and meaningful experiences for the players to continue.”
Like many, Whiteside started playing lacrosse in the Avon Grove Wildcats program.
“I started playing with the Wildcats and coach Jackson is involved in the program and goes out of his way to hold camps,” said Whiteside. “His high school players go out and help the younger players. It builds a strong community. That creates a bond; we love to play for him and it leads to success.”
Jackson – who will remain a physical education and health teacher at Avon Grove – said the Avon Grove community has supported his efforts.
“It has taken many people to get to this point and I am lucky to have worked with some outstanding coaches, players, parents, youth league and district support along the way,” he said.
“I want to thank my family for their support and, especially my wife, who has been amazing and a rock through all these years.
“I am staying at Avon Grove as a teacher so I will always be a huge fan and support for the program.”