Eisenhower High School’s Eric Jackson Named Assistant Coach of the Year by GHFCA

The [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]Greater Houston Football Coaches Association will recognize Eric Jackson. He will receive the Assistant Coach of the Year. Jackson serves as assistant defensive football coach at [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]Eisenhower High School.

Often times, the head coach receives much of the credit for his team’s success, but any head coach is only as good as his assistants. Much of an assistant coach’s work is done behind the scenes. The GHFCA’a award brings it to the forefront.

According to Richard Delgado, this is the first time in Aldine ISD history, that an assistant coach has won this award. Delgado serves as the director of athletics for AISD.

Jackson’s role helped the Eisenhower Eagles to an 8-3 this past football season. This is his fourth year at the campus.

“Coach Jackson’s defense was the number one defense in the district,” Delgado said. “And his defense is considered one of the best in the state. The defense had three shutouts, allowed only nine points a game and 128 yards a game.”

Dre’ Thompson is also proud of Jackson. Thompson is a former head football coach at Ike. He currently serves as, director of athletic services for AISD.

“I have known Eric for nearly 15 years,” Thompson said. “Eric has always been one of the good guys in our profession. He is truly dedicated to his students. He is one of the guys I see leading his own team real soon. I have always enjoyed working with Eric and I am happy for him. He is definitely deserving of this award.”

Delgado and Thompson are not the only ones singing Jackson’s praises. The Eisenhower family is also proud.

“Coach Jackson is an outstanding defensive coach, said head coach Kerry Bamburg. “He is well deserving of this award. It’s great to see coaches in Aldine ISD, especially Eisenhower High School get recognition for all the hard work they do.”

“Coach Jackson has had an outstanding year,” said Ben Ibarra, principal at the campus. “The Ike family is thankful for his hard work and dedication. Not only is he a great defensive coach but he also is an outstanding classroom teacher. He truly supports his student-athletes’ academic success.”

Student Isaiah Santiago agrees with this sentiment. Isaiah is also a football player at Ike.

“Without Coach Jackson’s tough love, I would not be the football player I am today,” Isaiah said.

Jackson feels honored that the GHFCA has bestowed this award to him.

“It is an honor,” Jackson said. “I feel privileged. But I want the coaching staff at Ike to know that I share this honor with them … My hat is off to you and head coach Bamburg. I also have to praise the students. I believe in them. They believe in me. And we believe in the Black Shirt Defense. Swoop! Swoop!“

This is the second year in a row that the GHFCA has honored a member of the Athletics Department at Ike. In 2014, [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]Ricky Nelson received the Bobby Gunn Athletic Trainer of the Year Award.

The GHFCA will present Jackson with the award at the association’s membership drive and BBQ. The event is set for May 6 at the University of Houston Indoor Facility.