Jackowski family savors SA section title

By LIAM BELAN

lbelan@yourmvi.com

When South Allegheny’s baseball team captured a section title for the first time since 1998 with a 9-2 victory over Keystone Oaks this past Tuesday, the feat was remarkable for everyone, but it was extra special for the Jackowski family.

Josh, Adam and Caleb Jackowski all contributed to the Section 2-3A title for the Gladiators (14-3, 9-1). Josh and Adam are crucial arms in the South Allegheny rotation, while Caleb is an important utility player. Adam went the full game and allowed three hits and two runs while striking out 11 batters in the section-clinching victory.

Not only have the three brothers had a chance to relish the first section title at South Allegheny in 26 years by playing on the same team, but they were all coached by their father, assistant coach Brian Jackowski.

“It was really exciting, because I knew our team was special from the beginning, and winning the section title just proved it,” Josh said.

That’s not where the connection ends for the Jackowski family, though, because Brian grew up playing ball for the Gladiators and he was on that section-winning team in 1998.

With lots of joy, he recounted his memories of enjoying his playing days while also experiencing his three sons winning a section title together.

“I had goosebumps, and I don’t get goosebumps often,” Brian said. “It was a surreal feeling because we had high hopes going into this year and we were able to accomplish what we wanted to. It reminded me of my time as a player when we were able to win the section, but it felt even better having them with me this time.

“We had a strong coaching staff, and I went on to play baseball at St. Vincent (College) with four of my teammates, so we had a really strong team. I remember we beat Brentwood at the end of the year to clinch the section, and we’re going to play them Thursday, so it’s like the stars are aligning. It’s something you can’t make up.”

The trio said having their dad as a coach can be a bit tough at times, but they wouldn’t have it any other way.

They all said Brian has coached them up for a long time, whether it be formally as an assistant coach or after games at home, but he has teamed up with head coach Gib Pohodich and the entire coaching staff to help the Gladiators win games thus far.

“My dad has been my pitching coach my whole life,” Adam said. “He’s a good coach and he’s taught me well.”

“He’s definitely tough on us, but that’s how he is,” Josh said. “That’s how he thinks the job needs to be done, and we get results from it.”

“My dad’s been my coach since day one,” Caleb said. “He taught me how to be an outfielder. … He’s a tough coach, but we get results from that.”

Despite those connections, that’s not where the Jackowski family ties end with the South Allegheny baseball program.

South Allegheny Middle School secretary Annika Jackowski was dating Brian during his high school playing days, and the two are now happily married. Annika was able to see Brian capture a section title in 1998 and then watch her three sons do the same this season.

“I’m so proud of all of them,” she said. “Ever since we started dating, I’ve known that Brian loves baseball. We knew that we were gonna have sons and they would play baseball, so it really has been amazing to watch them. He has been tough on them their entire lives, but he’s always been their coach and always been there for them.

“Even if he’s not always listed as a coach or has a label, he’s been coaching all three of them. He’s been trying to make them the best that they can be, and it’s been an amazing experience to see over the years. He accomplished so much himself, and it’s been really nice to see our sons doing the same with him by their side.”

Moving forward, the Gladiators are looking for far more than just a section ring as they await their postseason fate.

“We’ve been looking for this all year,” Josh said. “We’re going for gold.”

“We’ve gotta keep working hard and keep grinding,” Caleb said. “If we do that, the results will follow.”