With a very specific major, Marshall Jackson wasn’t sure he would be able to find a college that also offered him an opportunity to continue his track and field career.
After an extensive search the Benjamin Logan throwing standout found his future home at Rio Grande University, an NAIA program in southeast Ohio.
“I chose Rio Grande because they had an excellent atmosphere when I went on a college visit,” said Jackson. “They showed a lot of interest in my abilities, which is what I was looking for. I got to see some of the unity of their throwers and that was what I wanted to see too.
“They also had what I was looking for in a career. I wanted to go to a college that had a track and field program and welding as a major, which is not that easy to find so that sold me.”
Jackson also looked at the University of Findlay, Ohio Northern University, Otterbein University, Heidelberg University and Manchester University.
“I want to complete my welding certifications at Rio Grande and find a good home in the track and field program,” said Jackson. “I think my leadership skills will help me on the track and the classroom. I am hoping to use my skills to get me where I want to go in life.”
Jackson was a regional placer in the shot put as a sophomore and that is when his college journey started.
“I was never considering college until my sophomore year during regionals when I was approached by some college (coaches),” said Jackson. “It piqued my interest when that happened and that is when my interest started.”
A powerful and explosive thrower, Jackson still has his senior season to complete this spring with the goal of reaching the state tournament. He has the same high level of expectations when he arrives at Rio Grande University.
“I expect to complete my personal goals and the goals I set for our track team,” said Jackson. “I expect to come in and put work in daily to be my best and have success as a team.”