Jon-David Byers enters his first season on the men’s basketball coaching staff at Saint Francis University, bringing impressive credentials from his playing days at Lebanon Valley College and a coaching stint at Randolph-Macon College (RMC).

Byers joins the Red Flash after concluding a three-year run at RMC in Ashland, Va. He helped the Yellow Jackets to more than 60 wins in three seasons, which ended with the team’s appearance in the 2010 Division III Final Four after a 26-7 campaign.

“JD enjoyed outstanding success as a player at Lebanon Valley College, and has made a seamless transition in distinguishing himself as a very successful young coach,” head coach Don Friday said. “Jon-David worked under Michael Rhoades at Randoph-Macon for two years, and there’s no question JD has learned the right way to win in this business. JD’s hard work paid off (last) year at Macon as he assisted Nathan Davis in leading the Jackets to the NCAA Division III Final Four.

“JD has carved out a reputation as being a grinder who cares about his team. I am thrilled to have him join our family here at Saint Francis. There is no doubt our staff will continue to grow with this addition.”

While serving under head coaches Mike Rhoades (two years) and Nathan Davis (one year) at Randolph-Macon, Byers carved an impressive resume for himself. He served as the team’s recruiting coordinator, and oversaw all aspects of east coast recruiting. He organized, developed and conducted individual workouts for post and perimeter players, and scouted all opponents. Byers also assisted in organization of practice and game preparation, and coordinated the team’s strength & conditioning program. He also served as co-camp director for the Randolph-Macon Basketball Camps.

Byers’ players received numerous distinctions under his leadership. In 2007-08, when Randolph-Macon went 20-6, he coached an Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Freshman-of-the-Year and Division III Freshman All-American, as well as All-ODAC First and Second Team selections, and four ODAC all-Academic team members.

During his second season, Byers helped lead the Yellow Jackets to an identical 20-6 record and the ODAC regular season title. He coached the ODAC Player-of-the-Year, a Division III News First Team All-American and an NABC Third Team All-American. Additionally, two players were selected to the All-ODAC First and Second Teams.

In 2009-10, Randolph-Macon had its most successful season under Byers’ tutelage. The Yellow Jackets posted a 26-7 record, and reached the national semifinals.

“I am extremely excited to join coach Friday’s staff here at Saint Francis,” Byers said. “I am looking forward to the challenge of helping to continue to build upon the great foundation that has been set over the course of the last two years.”

In addition to his experience as an assistant at Randolph-Macon, Byers spent one season at his alma mater, Lebanon Valley College, and one season as an assistant at Fairleigh Dickinson-Madison, a Division III member of the Middle Atlantic Conference. He has spent the past five years working the Hoop Group Elite Camps, and has spent several seasons coaching camps at Randolph-Macon and Lebanon Valley College.

Byers received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Business Administration from Lebanon Valley College, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 3.8 grade-point-average. He played for the Dutchmen, and was an NABC First Team All-American in 2004-05, when he also was the ESPN The Magazine College Division Men’s Basketball Academic All-American of the Year. Additionally, Byers was the 2005 recipient of the Jostens Award, which is presented to the Division III National Student-Athlete of the Year.

“As you can see by JD’s accomplishments as a player, he’ll serve as a role model for all of our young student-athletes,” Friday said. “His impact here is going to go farther than our two hours of practice each day.”