With a stellar 68% winning percentage and over 100 wins in just 5 years at the helm of the Mavericks, its no suprise Head Men's Basketball Coach Donnie Jackson is starting to turn heads around the country. Last week Jackson was mentioned among the Top 55 Junior College Coaches in America by Basketball Times Magazine. This acheivement follows up 3 straight 20+ win seasons and a 2016 Region 2 Coach of the Year award. 

A native of Topeka, Kansas, Jackson has spent time at both the 4 year level as well as 6 seasons in Junior College. Jackson's story is especially impactful considering his past. As a high school basketball player on the verge of dropping out, the prospect of going to college seemed far from a realistic dream. It was through the help of mentors and coaches around him that Jackson recieved his high school diploma and went on to attend Allen County Community College in Iola, KS as a member of the Red Devil Basketball team. From there he went on to Sterling College where he graduated with a degree in Exercise Science. When it came time to decide what to do next, it seemed an easy choice: help others like those who had helped him. 

To see his grit and determination turn into success on and off the court is undoubtedly rewarding for those close to him. 7 Mavericks are currently playing at 4 year institutions with 12 players signing Division I shcolarships since 2013-2014 and 25 DI signees during his tenure as a Junior College coach. Jackson has also graduated 21 players since arriving in Tonkawa in 2013-2014.

"Coach Jackson is one of those guys who requires you to match his intensity and effort on a daily basis," says assistant coach Will Dyer, entering his 3rd season under Jackson. "His energy and enthusiam for the game of basketball is infectious and his attitude and mindset is adopted by the team and all those working around him."

Athletics Director Jeremy Hise also has high praise for Jackson.

"Donnie does an excellent job running every aspect of the Men's Basketball program. His teams have consistently competed for championships on the floor and have accomplished great things in the classroom as well. We are fortunate to have Coach Jackson at Northern Oklahoma College and look forward to what he, his coaches, and his players accomplish next"

Jackson and his team begin their quest for a championship on November 2nd as they open the season against the Allen County Red Devils.