Eric Marshall Night helps scholarship fund

Patrick Marshall will be in attendance Tuesday when his son is remembered by the school where he once played.

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Former Greenbrier high School basketball standout Eric Marshall died in April. His jersey will be retired at Greenbrier's gym between the girls and boys games with Grovetown.

Patrick Marshall said the ceremony would be a story he could tell later to Eric's young sons, Isaiah and Caleb.

"That's my goal as a grandfather, is to ensure that they never forget who their father was, and the things that he accomplished and the people that he touched," Patrick said last week.

Eric, who also played basketball at Wofford College, will be remembered when the Wolfpack plays host to Grovetown. Eric's uniform will be retired, and Greenbrier will make a presentation to his family.

Donations will be accepted for the Eric Marshall Memorial Fund, which will provide scholarships for area athletes based on an application and criteria Patrick said the family is crafting.

Wofford basketball coach Mike Young will present a Terriers jersey to the school. Wofford basketball T-shirts with Marshall's name and number printed on the back will be given to anyone who makes a donation of $20 or more, with the money going to the fund.

Patrick said he was looking forward to reconnecting with those from Eric's past.

"I tried to spread the word as much as possible," Patrick said. "I would love to see all his old teammates and coaches and fellowship with them."

Eric died in April after collapsing during a pick-up basketball game. He graduated from Greenbrier in 2003 after playing basketball under coach Garrett Black. He was named Player of the Year by The Columbia County News-Times twice.

In 2003, Marshall was named The Augusta Chronicle Boys Basketball Player of the Year. He earned a scholarship to play at Wofford College, where he averaged 10 points a game but was slowed during his final two seasons by knee injuries.

The 24-year-old was expected to serve as Greenbrier's assistant basketball coach this season, and was working to become certified to teach.

From Marshall family:

"Our family is especially grateful and appreciative to the community for all they have done and to Greenbrier High School for retiring Eric's basketball jersey (No. 20). We are excited about Eric Marshall Night as an honor to his legacy and memory, and we hope this will inspire all young people in whose life he had a positive impact.

"Although there currently is not a non-profit organization, the Eric Marshall Memorial Fund has been established to award scholarships, and donations are still being accepted. These scholarships will be awarded annually to deserving local area student athletes. We are evaluating scholarship criteria now and will provide detailed information for students so they can apply in February 2010, with scholarships to be awarded in May.

"Again, thank you all for your support and prayers, and we are looking forward to seeing you all at this event. God Bless."

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