JACKSON - A Jackson Memorial High School assistant principal who was a football standout at the school before he graduated in 1987 is being inducted into the JMHS Athletic Hall of Fame on Nov. 27.

Thomas Tarver was a three-year starter at quarterback for the Jaguars who earned a full athletic scholarship to Rutgers University, where he became the starting quarterback for the Scarlet Knights in 1990.

His induction into the Hall of Fame celebrates his past accomplishments and his connection to the Jackson School District, according to a press release from the school district.

"I think it's exciting that an athlete of his caliber who had such great success in high school and in college is still connected to the district he called home," said Athletic Director Ralph Carretta. "To reach the level of accomplishment he did is remarkable and the committee is proud to recognize him for what he has done, and what he continues to do for Jackson."

Anyone interested in joining the Athletic Hall of Fame Committee and guests for this public induction ceremony is encouraged to attend. The ceremony will be held in the Fine Arts Center of Jackson Memorial High School, Don Connor Boulevard, at 7 p.m. Nov. 27.

"We hope people who knew Tom as an athlete and know him now as an administrator will come join us for this special event," Carretta said.

Tarver's overall record at Jackson Memorial was 32-7, highlighted by an 8-1 record and a No. 1 ranking in the Shore Conference in 1985. He was First Team All-Shore and All-County in his junior and senior years and earned Second Team All-State honors in both years as well. He remains the Jaguars' leader in career passing yards (3,607), single season passing yards (1,362), single season touchdowns (18) and single season completions (74).

While at Rutgers, Tarver played in the first Big East Conference football game against Boston College in 1991. He completed 21 of 30 passes for 275 yards and two touchdowns in a 21-10 victory, earning Big East Offensive Player of the Week honors. He went on to lead the Scarlet Knights to a winning season.

In 2004, Tarver was hired as an assistant principal at Jackson Memorial High School.

Tarver will join other administrators, athletes and coaches who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame, including Don Connor, Helen O'Connell, Bernie Reider, Ed Rivera, Rob Johnson, Patricia Brooks, Lawrence D'Zio, Glenn Edwards, Mike Costa, David Greene, the Baseball Team of 1972, the Soccer Team of 1990, Hector Rivera, Rob Connor, Michelle Nikolayew, Rich Morris, Leon Davis, Lou Durant, the Boys Bowling Team of 1976-78, the Girls Bowling Teams of 1977-78 and 1974-75, and Erin Gleason.

Anyone interested in nominating an individual for the Athletic Hall of Fame can contact the JMHS athletic office at (732) 833-4635. Nomination forms are available on the athletics page of the Jackson Memorial High School Internet Web site. Visit www.jacksonsd.org and click on Our Schools to select the JMHS site.