Penn State Greater Allegheny Athletic Department Announces Men's Baseball Head Coach

McKeesport, Pa. - The Penn State Greater Allegheny Athletic Department is pleased to announce that the head coach of the 2014-15 men's baseball is veteran Mark Jackson.

 

After the former head coach and Athletic Director, Jim Chester, accepted a head coach position at Lock Haven University in early August, the Greater Allegheny Athletic Department opened up. Korie Morton-Rozier took over as Athletic Director in October, setting high expectations for the new baseball coach.

 

Former assistant coach Eric Kuczma stepped in as interim head coach of the team until the position was filled, before Kuczma accepted an assistant coaching position at Chatham University. With the position still needing to be filled,  Mark Jackson viewed this as an opportunity to further the greatness that both previous coaches had helped build, as well as leaving his own legacy at the prestigious school he once attended.

 
Jackson has accumulated a total of 19 years impressive years through his coaching stint, which include directing the baseball programs at Point Park University and the University of Pittsburgh. During his time with both programs, he conducted outstanding turnarounds for each. Point Park University advanced to the NAIA World Series an impressive five times under his direction alongside leading the University of Pittsburgh to two Big East titles after he took over for Bobby Lewis in 1991.

 

Throughout Jackson's career, he has earned a coaching record of 720-315 for a .696 winning percentage. He has been recognized as Big East Coach of the Year as well as being inducted into the Point Park University and the Western Pennsylvania Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.

 

"I am excited to join the Penn State Greater Allegheny Athletic Department. I plan to continue to build on the excellent foundation that is in place already with the baseball program," said Jackson. "My ultimate goal is to help each player to mature as a student, as an athlete, and as a person."

 

With the 2015 season quickly approaching, the baseball program has faced a few new changes. The expectations, however, have not diminished as Coach Jackson alongside the players have their eyes set on another Penn State University Athletic Conference Championship as well as an United States Collegiate Athletic Association title.

 

The men's baseball team looks forward to their season opener at California University of Pennsylvania on February 21 at Consol Energy Park in Washington, Pa. The double-headers first pitch is set for 2 p.m.

 

By: Christina Floyd
Athletic Department Intern