More than a game: Xavier Coach Dannton Jackson works to build winners at life

Dannton Jackson has an impressive resume, but his greatest achievement is
the impact he's had on his players off the court.

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (GCAConf.com) – There have been quite a number of accomplishments and achievements for Xavier University head coach Dannton Jackson in his 12-year tenure on Drexel Drive. Last season, Jackson became the Gold Rush's all-time winningest coach, surpassing current SUNO head coach and mentor Dale Valdery. This past week he tied LSU legend Dale Brown with his tenth 20-win season; good for second all-time among Louisiana basketball coaches. He has 12 consecutive winning seasons, a Xavier record, and has averaged more than 22 wins per season. He is a three-time Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Coach of the Year and Jackson and former SUNO coach Earl Hill are the only coaches to lead their teams to three consecutive GCAC titles.

But for Dannton Jackson, his legacy won't be defined by what goes on between the lines, but rather by the lives he impacts beyond them.

Before his death last year, Coach Jackson had the opportunity to spend some time with the legendary Don Meyer. Meyer, who won more than 900 games in his storied career gave Jackson a piece of advice that he has tried to keep as a cornerstone of his philosophy.

"Coach Meyer told me that 'you have to love teaching more than you love winning'", said Jackson. "I believe that our program is bigger than wins and losses. There is a 'Xavier Way' that speaks to the mission of the university and to the integrity of this basketball program. We're here because of that mission and because of a legacy that we want to continue. I believe we're developing servant leaders and more than anything I look at the people who come through our program and what they do in their lives after they leave."

Dannton Jackson has Xavier in his DNA, almost literally. His parents met on the campus, his father a standout athlete and his uncle wore the black and gold as well. His staff is filled with former players, another extension of his Xavier f
amily.

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