Jackson's Marino chooses Villanova

JACKSON - The process of choosing which college offer to accept was starting to get a little bit daunting before Amanda Marino visited Villanova University.

"The minute I got there I said to my dad, 'This is it,' " said Marino, a Jackson Memorial High School senior. "I just knew it was right.''

Marino formalized her choice when she signed her letter of intent to attend the Pennsylvania university and to accept a four-year scholarship to participate in its cross country program. The standout runner said it was the academic program and the "feeling'' she got when she met with her future coach and teammates that made her choose the school.

"Coach Gina Procaccio really respected that it was my choice and that I was the only one who could make the right decision about where to go,'' Marino said. "When I met with some of the team, it was just so obvious that they were like one big family. You could really feel that they liked one another and respected one another. That wasn't the case in other places I saw.''

Marino's father, Salvatore, said he likes the fact that the school and coaches focus on academics first.

"The atmosphere is great there and you can just feel that the school has prestige,'' said dad. "I think she'll get a great education and have a great experience.''

Jackson cross country coach Glenda Calabro said Marino will undoubtedly be happy wherever she goes, but that Villanova is a good fit.

"She's really driven and she really goes after what she wants,'' Calabro said. "She's going to be a great asset to the school and to their program. She'll have great success.''