About Michael

Christopher Michael Jackson was born February 12, 1982 in Lexington, Kentucky. He grew up in Versailles, Kentucky with his parents, Debbie and Guy Jackson, and his sister Michelle. Michael was a very outgoing and active little boy. He enjoyed swimming and riding his bike and loved playing sports. During middle school at Woodford County, Michael played on the football, wrestling, and baseball teams. In addition to sports, Michael was a member of the Versailles Baptist Church, where he attended Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. He filled his time with social events and activities at school and church, and especially enjoyed taking family vacations each summer.

At Woodford County High School (WCHS), Michael focused on football and wrestling. He played football his freshman through junior years. He played tailback his sophomore year and outside corner linebacker his junior year. Michael finished third in tackles his junior year at only 135 pounds. Michael was extremely proud to be a member of three state champion wrestling teams at WCHS.  He was a valued four-year varsity wrestler, receiving three “outstanding wrestler” awards, at: Woodford County Invitational, South Oldham, and Bluegrass District tournaments. Michael was the first two-time winner of the Todd Gordon Dedication Award his junior and senior years. In his junior year, he finished third at the Kentucky High School Wrestling tournament, and in his senior year he placed first and finished the season with an exceptional 54-0 record in the 135-pound weight class.

What set Michael apart from many other wrestlers was his exceptional work ethic and determination to perfect his wrestling skills. Outside of the high school wrestling season schedule, he continued to devote many hours to practice and competition. He attended wrestling camps and competed in local and regional tournaments, including the Bluegrass State Games, where he received gold medals multiple times, and the Southern National High School Wrestling Coaches’ Association in Birmingham, Alabama, where he placed second his senior year. Michael’s dedication to wrestling and talent were once again recognized in 2000, when he was named Honorable Mention High School All American.

After high school, Michael attended Mount St. Joseph College in Cincinnati his freshman year and Lexington Community College (LCC) his sophomore and junior years. Still passionate about wrestling, Michael enjoyed volunteering at high school and middle school wrestling practices where he offered wrestlers one-on-one support and encouragement. Sadly, at age 20, Michael died in an auto accident on December 15, 2002. To honor his life, to continue his memory, and to support Woodford County’s exceptional high school wrestling program, Guy and Debbie, created a scholarship to be awarded each year to one high school wrestler that demonstrates some of the exceptional qualities of Michael.