“Born in Mississippi, Raised in Arizona, Education in Pennsylvania, Refined in Indiana, and Made Wonderful in West Virginia”

–Eric Jett

“Every Day in Every Way I Am Becoming a Better Student, Athlete, and Person.”  

Given the title “The smartest kid on the football team” it is safe to say that Coach Jett was destined to have a great future in many different aspects of life. He truly defined what it meant to be an athletic scholar being an honors student, a competitive powerlifter, while also gaining the privilege of being a leader on his high school football team. Jett’s efforts in both the classroom and on the field allowed him to play collegiate football and earn an education at the University of Pennsylvania. While at UPenn, he continued on the standard that he had set for himself in high school. His love for football remained and his love for everything pertaining to the weight room grew stronger. 

“Who Am I?”

The man that we see today was beginning to realize what inspired him in a time when most athletes were trying to figure out who they are after their playing days were over. After graduating from UPenn, Jett’s love for the game led him to an opportunity to coach at Depaul University in Indiana. The aspects of coaching were great, but nothing excited him more than working individually with athletes to enhance their performance in the weight room. Following his love and passion for the weight room, he would later take a Graduate Assistant spot at Indiana State University, then  make his way to Buckhannon, West Virginia to be the head strength and conditioning coach at West Virginia Wesleyan College. 

Beyond the Weights  

The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Coach Jett is extraordinary to say the least. Here is a man that can squat 700 plus pounds on his back then turn around and put on a great performance as Dracula in Wesleyan’s theater program. That’s right, you read it correctly, the theater program! Theater has always been a passion of Jett’s way before he was introduced to sports. Beginning at his childhood church, Jett would perform skits with other members of the church that reflected the lesson of the day. His passion for performing would carry on through middle school and high school doing different musicals, theater shows, and other performances. Jett prided himself on being the bridge between various groups in high school. Not too many people can say that they could hang out with the athletes, scholars, and drama club… once again this man is EXTRAORDINARY! Jett would take a break from theater in his college days. Until, while at Depaul, a student of his needed someone to participate in a scene that he would be directing. Jett being a firm believer in supporting his students and athletes 100% obliged and never turned back! Currently he is a member of the Wesleyan’s Theater department and The Buckhannon Community Theater. 

Jett’s willingness to be unique brings life to his profession and those around him. It adds value to his life and humanizes him rather than being a “robot acting in its own realm” as said by Jett. He realizes that how much weight is on the bar or how many reps completed are only temporary things, but the relationships that are built are much more meaningful. In a way the relationship between coach and player, professor and student is very much sacred. There must be a mutual respect and willingness to understand each other in order to reach maximum potential. By Jett being unapologetically himself he truly exemplifies what it means to become a better student, athlete and person everyday in every way!