McClain mourns loss of Coach Shawn Jackson

McClain High School, and people across Highland County, are mourning the loss of a man who is credited with taking McClain soccer "to the next level."

Coach Shawn Jackson died unexpectedly Thursday night. He was 38.

McClain athletic director Patrick Stevens told The Highland County Press Friday that students and staff have taken the loss hard.  

Stevens said that under Jackson's leadership McClain High School boys soccer won the SCOL championship three years in a row, and last season went undefeated in the regular season with a 15-0-1 record, tying once with Hillsboro. 

"Shawn was one of the most easygoing guys I've ever been around," Stevens said. "That shouldn't fool you, though because he was extremely competitive. He was always cheerful, always had a smile and was always encouraging. He was a great role model for our kids. He did a great job of teaching our kids about life. Not only about soccer, but about life." 

McClain High School is mourning the loss of the coach today, Stevens said, adding that last night the soccer players gathered together to talk about Jackson and what he had done for them. 

"I had contact from one of the seniors (Thursday) night, right after they had learned the news. Luis Rivas did a great job of getting the kids together to reminisce about things, and they had time together as a team to reflect. It has been a difficult day here. Our swimmers are in the district meet today at Ohio State, and three of our kids on the team were soccer players who played for Coach Jackson. We told them we know it's going to be tough, but they have to perform today. We have basketball players at Miami Trace this weekend. It's going to a weekend of competition with heavy hearts."  

Continuing on with scheduled competition is the only way Coach Jackson would have wanted it, Stevens said. 

"He absolutely would have wanted them to compete," Stevens said. "He was not only a great role model for the kids, but he went above and beyond the call of duty as a coach. He helped the kids outside of soccer. He always came in early to get the field ready for soccer games and made sure they had everything they needed." 

Jackson's leadership, he said, helped take McClain soccer to a new level. 

"Shawn really understood the game of soccer," Stevens said. "He was a lifelong soccer player. We felt that, as a school, we went into soccer with limited knowledge. We'd had other coaches before Coach Jackson, but he did a great job of getting us to the next level. We lost a bunch of seniors this year, and now with the loss of Coach Jackson, it's going to be tough to pick up the pieces. But he wouldn't have wanted it any other way. We will pick up the pieces, and we will continue on." 

"Shawn Jackson was a gentleman on and off the field," said Coach John Weber, varsity soccer coach of Hillsboro High School boys. "He helped create great memories that will never be forgotten. The SCOL and Greenfield have lost a great ambassador for our sport, and I will miss our epic rivalries with him at the helm. May God bless his family, friends and players as they deal with this tremendous loss. And to Shawn: Thank you for your positive encouragements after each of our games."

Fairfield High School boys soccer Coach Brian Ortlieb said, "He was a good guy. He will be missed amongst the soccer community."

Coach Dennis West, Lynchburg-Clay boys coach said, "Shawn was a great individual, let alone a great coach. He was just an outstanding person. From a coaching standpoint, I had great respect for him. He did a tremendous job at Greenfield and really turned that program into a powerhouse in the district. He was as nice a guy as could be, and this is a great loss for the community, and for soccer in Ohio. He was just a tremendous young man."

West said facing Jackson and the Tigers was always a guaranteed good match.  

"He did great things with the soccer program, and we enjoyed playing his teams. We knew it was always going to be a good contest. I really enjoyed being around him because he was just a pleasant individual to talk to. You throw in the soccer talent and the talent he had for coaching ... He was somebody that you enjoyed knowing," West said. 

Stevens said heartfelt condolences are sent out to the Jackson family. 

"The whole athletic department family, our hearts go out to Shawn's family, and anyone else associated with him in any way, shape or form," Stevens said. 

"We'll find another coach, but we'll never find another Coach Jackson."

Arrangements are pending at the Murray-Fettro Funeral Home in Greenfield.