MARTIN JACKSON NAMED HEAD BASEBALL COACH

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FORMER LION OUTFIELDER AND QUARTERBACK FIRST PHS ALUMNUS TO HEAD BASEBALL PROGRAM

Martin Jackson grew up in Prattville.  He played the game of baseball on the local diamonds of the city youth leagues, and followed his dreams of playing high school (Prattville) and collegiate baseball (Shelton State Community College and the University of West Alabama.)

Wednesday night May 16^th another dream came true for the former Prattville Lion. Beginning this summer, he will become a high school head baseball coach at his Alma Mater.

Jackson is the first Prattville High School Almunus to head up the school's baseball program, at least during the modern era.

Martin will success Tommy Goodson, who submitted his resignation following the 2011-2012 school year to retire from public education.

“It is an honor to take over such a storied program as Prattville High School.  The baseball program here is regarded as one of the best in the state and for me personally it is not only an honor, but certainly a challenge to continue the success that Prattville baseball has had,

“To think I’ll step into a position that has had only two coaches in the past 24 years, that’s a tough position to follow, but it is something that I desired.  By the longevity of coach Lambert and coach Goodson it is naturally to see that there has been no turnover and it speaks well of Prattville as a great place to live, to work, and have a family,

 "I have the full support of the new Athletic Director (Chad Anderson), and the new Superintendent of Education (Spence Agree), as well as Mr. Dennis (Principal).  I will continue to coach football (running back coach), but Coach Anderson has made it clear that baseball will be my first priority.”

Jackson also met with his returning baseball players following the annual year end Awards banquet,

“I told the 13 returning varsity players and the 15 junior varsity players that we will begin summer workout programs June 11.  We will meet here  three days a week from 7 a.m. until 9 a.m. and take off the week of July Fourth and then return and practice until school begins.”

Martin also confirmed that assistant baseball coaches, Walter Myers, Kerry Jeffries and Joseph Colvin will return for the 2013 season.

“The 2013 schedule is not complete, but I am working on it.  I have confirmed that we will participate in the annual Lake Martin Classic, as well as the FCA Tournament that is held in Montgomery.  We will be guaranteed one game at Riverwalk Stadium.  That should be neat for the kids and certainly will save on expenses,

“I told the kids that I expect them to play to their strength, and I expect them to be not only good players, but good people.”

Martin also said the Lions will also play a series of games with Marbury High School during June.  It will be a home and home series June 15 and June 19 with a doubleheader.  The AHSAA allows all sports seven playing days during the summer months.

“I am also very excited about an Alumni Game scheduled for July 14^th at the high school baseball field.  Details will follow as to returning players that can play,

“One thing for sure we’ll have a Home Run Derby.  Also we will have a baseball camp with the YMCA from 9 a.m. until 12, June 11-14.”

Martin Jackson is the son of Kenny and Nelda Sorrels of Prattville.  He has one brother, Matt, 21, a student at Auburn University.

He began his baseball career at the high school playing for long time coach Roger Lambert, playing the outfield.  He also played football, and was a two way starter, playing defensive back and quarterback for coach Tommy Lucas.  He also ran track and was a three year lettermen in the three sports.

He began his career at the Junior High School level with coach Rocky Minor.  His eighth grade football team went undefeated.

Jackson graduated from Prattville High in the spring of 1998.  He accepted a two year scholarship to Shelton State College in Tuscaloosa to play for former Boston Red Sox star Bobby Sprowl.

From Shelton State Jackson went to the University of West Alabama, where he earned a degree in Physical Education in the spring of 2004.

His first position was at Prattville Intermediate School for one year.   In the fall of 2005 he came to Prattville High School, where he has remained.

Jackson is married to the former Jamie Dorset of Prattville.  They have two children, a son Dorset and a daughter, Sumner.