2024-25 Preston Worth Scholarship Recipient: Marc Jackson

Marc Jackson discovered rugby at age 15 during his sophomore year when a friend told him about a new team forming in his area. Having been prevented from playing earlier by COVID disruptions, Jackson "instantly knew that I wanted to join and learn more about the game."

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The transition presented initial challenges: "I was definitely nervous at first, no pads, no time outs, and all new rules." However, training alongside friends quickly transformed apprehension into appreciation. "Seeing our team grow and continue to get better together gave me a huge sense of fulfillment."

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Jackson's rugby pathway expanded from Camas Boys Rugby to include select-side experience with Oregon Redhawks, PNW Loggers, BC Advantage, and Western Futures before joining Western Washington University. He has demonstrated positional versatility, starting as a lock before moving to flanker, number eight, and finally loosehead prop prior to injury. He prefers flanker and number eight because they "fit my style of play very well. I play with my size but also with my speed."

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His achievements include reaching the state championship for three consecutive years, capturing the title during his junior year. "Playing for Western has by far been my favorite experience in rugby. Being able to compete at the college level alongside some of my closest friends is something that I will never forget."

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Rugby has profoundly influenced Jackson's personal growth, teaching him "to be disciplined in everything that I do, to strive to be the best version of myself, and also to not get hard on myself for making mistakes, because that's a part of rugby and life."

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Though no longer at Western, Jackson plans to continue with a men's club team "mainly because of the immense love I have for the sport." Looking ahead, he hopes to coach youth rugby, motivated by the positive influence his own coaches had on his development.

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Beyond rugby, Jackson is building toward a career in emergency medical services, currently working and saving for an EMT course beginning in September.

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Family support has been fundamental to his journey: "My family is very supportive in everything I do. They have come to every one of my games, paid fees, and my dad actually became the president of my highschool club rugby team just to help support me."

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When asked what wisdom he would share with aspiring players, Jackson emphasizes: "Work your craft and try to have as much fun doing it. The harder you work the more it will help you really love and appreciate the sport of rugby."