Wadsworth midfielder Jackson Herbert to play soccer at Akron

All-Ohio Wadsworth midfielder Jackson Herbert had no shortage of options when it came to playing Division I college soccer, but the opportunity to play for the University of Akron stood head and shoulders above the rest. The incoming Grizzlies senior turned a lifelong dream into a reality when he committed to the Zips. "Ever since I was a little kid, I went to all of the games — one of my friends (Kai Wagner) went there — and I would describe it as my dream school," he said. "Pretty much I knew that if they were going to offer me, I was going to jump on that." Once Zips coach Jared Embick offered a partial scholarship, Herbert made up his mind quickly after also considering Dayton, Ohio State, Coastal Carolina and Robert Morris, among others. The Zips bring an easily recognizable pedigree with five appearances in the semifinals of the College Cup, including three title game appearances since 2009 and a championship in 2010. "The tradition at Akron breeds the best players," Herbert said. "It was an easy choice for me with a program like that." The fact that a program with that tradition sits roughly 20 minutes from Herbert's home was nothing but a bonus. "Akron is in my backyard," said Herbert, who is leaning toward majoring in exercise science. "It's not just that it's close to home for me, but it's something that my parents like." Herbert has plenty of skill to offer the Zips after leading Medina County with 39 points (15 goals, 9 assists) last fall. The two-time All-Gazette selection has 38 goals and 16 assists in his career. He knows he will need those skills and his strong work ethic to fit into a program where standards are extremely high. "You walk in and the expectations are through the roof," Herbert said. "Every year, they are national contenders, top 10 in the country. If you're there, you know you're there for a reason, and that's to win a national championship." Before he begins chasing national championships with the Zips, Herbert hopes to cap his high school career by leading the Grizzlies to the state tournament for the first time. "We're very hopeful this year," he said. "I think the goal for every team in high school is to win state. With our guys, the attitude and work ethic, I definitely don't think that's out of the question." Contact John Urchek at jurchek@medina-gazette.com.