From Service to the Sidelines
11/14/2024 4:00:00 PM | Football
Jacob Byron served his country prior to role with Eagles
STATESBORO - This past week, on Nov. 11, we honored over 15 million veterans who have fought for our country's freedom.
For many, Veterans Day is a time to reflect on and pay tribute to those who have bravely fought for our independence. Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach for Georgia Southern Football, Jacob Byron, is one of many who has taken the honor and commitment of military service. But now, Byron has channeled his values towards a new path.
Byron grew up in a small town just 30 minutes east of Rochester, New York. Upon completion of high school, Byron attended Finger Lakes Community College, but after just one semester, he decided to take time off and explore a different path: The United States Marine Corps.
"My brother had joined the Marine Corps the year before. I called him to get some advice about it. I ended up going to the recruiting station and signing up that day. I was ready to leave," stated Byron.
Byron served in the Marine Corps for eight years, four of which he served on active duty. While in the service, Byron worked as an 1141, known to many as an electrician. "I learned how to do house wiring, field wiring, and generator mechanics," stated Byron.
During those four years, Byron met many people and learned many lessons that have shaped who he is today.
When asked about his most impactful moment while serving, Byron did not mention a situation, but he mentioned an individual, his mentor, Staff Sergeant Lancaster. "I remember one time, we were in our shop in Okinawa, Japan. Staff Sergeant Lancaster was talking about how we had work to do," stated Byron. "He kept mentioning work didn't have to be dragged out all day, once you get it done, you can go home and focus on other things."
This was a significant moment for Byron. "That was something that was really big for me. A lot of people try to drag out work, but he showed me there's no need to wait."
Upon the conclusion of service, Byron decided to take another shot at school. Byron first attended Buffalo State Community College and then transferred to the University of Buffalo where he completed his undergraduate degree in media studies. Byron also received his master's degree in health and performance from Canisius College.
Byron was recruited by a former graduate assistant who was now a coach at the university he played for. Byron was given the opportunity to intern under this coach which rekindled his passions for football.
"After I started working with football, I realized how much I loved it," stated Byron.
In January 2024, Byron began working with Georgia Southern football.
When asked about the most rewarding part of working with college athletes, Byron expressed the ability to see their development has been fulfilling. Being able to watch these athletes grow from not knowing anything and trying to figure life out in a world where they have never really been on their own has been impactful for Byron. "Being able to guide them so that they can be great men and great human beings after this." stated Byron "It's not just about football, it's more about their life afterwards."
Byron strives to use lessons he has learned in his life to encourage and set the example for his athletes.
"I have a lot of life experience and I hope that some of those lessons I can implement into their lives so they learn to set goals and become successful." expressed Byron " I want them to enjoy the moment, but also to strive for more."
Not only has Byron been able to set an example for his athletes, but also other veterans. Drawing from his own experiences, Byron understands the struggles of transitioning from military life back to the civilian world. "I hear you and I have been there." stated Byron "What helped me was connecting with other veterans and connecting with people like myself who have gone through the process and figured it out."
"If you have something you want to do, just go do it," expressed Byron.
Georgia Southern will host its Salute to Service game this Saturday against Troy at Allen E. Paulson Stadium. Tickets are available through GSEagles.com/Tickets and anyone with a valid military ID is able to claim one complimentary ticket in person at the Athletics Ticket Office at 203 Lanier Drive or by calling 1-800-GSU-WINS. Military members will also be eligible for 10% off all concessions (excluding alcohol) with their valid military ID.
This Salute to Service game does not only mean alot to Byron, but to all veterans who have fought and put their lives on the line. "It's more about the people who put their life on the line for this country so that we're able to enjoy these events," stated Byron.
Jamiah Johnson is a senior public relations major from Beaufort, South Carolina.
For many, Veterans Day is a time to reflect on and pay tribute to those who have bravely fought for our independence. Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach for Georgia Southern Football, Jacob Byron, is one of many who has taken the honor and commitment of military service. But now, Byron has channeled his values towards a new path.
Byron grew up in a small town just 30 minutes east of Rochester, New York. Upon completion of high school, Byron attended Finger Lakes Community College, but after just one semester, he decided to take time off and explore a different path: The United States Marine Corps.
"My brother had joined the Marine Corps the year before. I called him to get some advice about it. I ended up going to the recruiting station and signing up that day. I was ready to leave," stated Byron.
Byron served in the Marine Corps for eight years, four of which he served on active duty. While in the service, Byron worked as an 1141, known to many as an electrician. "I learned how to do house wiring, field wiring, and generator mechanics," stated Byron.
During those four years, Byron met many people and learned many lessons that have shaped who he is today.
When asked about his most impactful moment while serving, Byron did not mention a situation, but he mentioned an individual, his mentor, Staff Sergeant Lancaster. "I remember one time, we were in our shop in Okinawa, Japan. Staff Sergeant Lancaster was talking about how we had work to do," stated Byron. "He kept mentioning work didn't have to be dragged out all day, once you get it done, you can go home and focus on other things."
This was a significant moment for Byron. "That was something that was really big for me. A lot of people try to drag out work, but he showed me there's no need to wait."
Upon the conclusion of service, Byron decided to take another shot at school. Byron first attended Buffalo State Community College and then transferred to the University of Buffalo where he completed his undergraduate degree in media studies. Byron also received his master's degree in health and performance from Canisius College.
Byron was recruited by a former graduate assistant who was now a coach at the university he played for. Byron was given the opportunity to intern under this coach which rekindled his passions for football.
"After I started working with football, I realized how much I loved it," stated Byron.
In January 2024, Byron began working with Georgia Southern football.
When asked about the most rewarding part of working with college athletes, Byron expressed the ability to see their development has been fulfilling. Being able to watch these athletes grow from not knowing anything and trying to figure life out in a world where they have never really been on their own has been impactful for Byron. "Being able to guide them so that they can be great men and great human beings after this." stated Byron "It's not just about football, it's more about their life afterwards."
Byron strives to use lessons he has learned in his life to encourage and set the example for his athletes.
"I have a lot of life experience and I hope that some of those lessons I can implement into their lives so they learn to set goals and become successful." expressed Byron " I want them to enjoy the moment, but also to strive for more."
Not only has Byron been able to set an example for his athletes, but also other veterans. Drawing from his own experiences, Byron understands the struggles of transitioning from military life back to the civilian world. "I hear you and I have been there." stated Byron "What helped me was connecting with other veterans and connecting with people like myself who have gone through the process and figured it out."
"If you have something you want to do, just go do it," expressed Byron.
Georgia Southern will host its Salute to Service game this Saturday against Troy at Allen E. Paulson Stadium. Tickets are available through GSEagles.com/Tickets and anyone with a valid military ID is able to claim one complimentary ticket in person at the Athletics Ticket Office at 203 Lanier Drive or by calling 1-800-GSU-WINS. Military members will also be eligible for 10% off all concessions (excluding alcohol) with their valid military ID.
This Salute to Service game does not only mean alot to Byron, but to all veterans who have fought and put their lives on the line. "It's more about the people who put their life on the line for this country so that we're able to enjoy these events," stated Byron.
Jamiah Johnson is a senior public relations major from Beaufort, South Carolina.
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