AUM's LaRel Jackson earns 6th Army ROTC Athletic Achievement Award | People

Auburn Montgomery junior guard LaRel Jackson received the sixth Army ROTC Athletic Achievement Award of the 2012-13 school year on Wednesday, for his accomplishments both on and off the court.

Jackson has averaged a team-high 31 minutes per game during AUM’s last seven games, leading the Warhawks to a 4-3 record, including a 62-55 upset victory over previously No. 8 William Carey. The Redbay, Fla., native averaged 6.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists during that span.

He scored a career-high 12 points in a Jan. 28 win over Huntingdon, and dished out a career-high eight assists in a victory over Belhaven on Jan. 19. For the season, he ranks second on the team in assists (34) and steals (25).

“When LaRel was moved to the bench for a period earlier in the season, he was never any less hard working or supportive towards his teammates,” head coach Larry Chapman said. “This is a sign of true character. A lesser person would have blamed others or pouted, but he worked hard through adversity. I can’t imagine a more deserving person for this award.”

Off the court, Jackson and his teammates recently joined the House to House Christian ministry to help renovate a rundown old house as part of AUM’s MLK Day of Service initiative. The team worked for several hours on the west side of the city, fighting through a consistent rainstorm. Jackson also assisted with the move-in of students into North Commons in the fall.

Criteria for the Army ROTC Athletic Achievement Award includes being certified for eligibility and involved in participation of a varsity sport; performance on the field or court during the previous two weeks; contributions to the team's success through their individual leadership skills, their commitment to teamwork, their extra effort during practice and their demonstration of sportsmanship; and performance off the field of play, including academic success, character and exemplary community outreach.

Junior women’s basketball guard Psachal Maize was also nominated for this week’s award.

Source:  AUM Sports Information Director