File photo
Lord Botetourt senior Jackson Crawford is going to be a Wasp. The talented Cavalier senior guard has committed to continue his education and play his college basketball at Emory & Henry University.
Crawford committed to Emory & Henry, a Division II school, last weekend. The Wasps are in their first season in the South Atlantic Conference. They’re coached by Ben Thompson, a 2006 graduate of Virginia Tech, who led them to a 16-10 overall record last year. Thompson is in his third year as Emory & Henry coach and he’s built a culture that Jackson found attractive.
“I’m coming because I love the culture that I see and feel has been built,” he said. “The 15 guys here walk as one and that’s what I want to be part of. The players all are smiling and cheering for each other, lifting each other up and the coaches are excited and filled with passion. Who wouldn’t want to be around this?”
Crawford will be a Business Major at the Emory, Va. school. He had an offer from Bridgewater and interest from VMI, Randolph Macon, Randolph College, Roanoke College, Mars Hill, the US Coast Guard Academy and Flagler, a Division II school in Florida.
“Jackson’s whole life he never talked about levels D1, 2, 3, JUCO, or NAIA as it never mattered, his dream was to play college basketball and now he gets to go do that,” said his father, Gary Crawford, who also played for LB. “He has been blessed.”
Jackson’s coach at Lord Botetourt, Andrew Hart, is an Emory & Henry graduate and former Wasp player.
“Our team is very proud of Jackson for his commitment to play at the next level,” said Hart. “He’s put in a lot of work on the court and in the classroom. He has certainly earned the opportunity. It has been a blast to watch him continue to improve each year.
“I think Jackson will see some immediate success at E&H, his work-ethic has made him ready. We are certainly looking forward to watching him thrive this season as a senior (at LB) and beyond.”