Truett McConnell University Athletics recently announced Jeff Branyon as the new TMU head cycling coach, effective immediately.
“We are very excited about the future of the cycling program under Coach Branyon,” Athletic Director Jenni Shepard said. “His knowledge of the sport, experience, and involvement in the cycling community are qualities that we know will make our cycling program very successful. He is a man of strong faith and we can’t wait to see how he will be able to make a positive impact for Christ within the team and our community.
I am also very happy to have Coach Steve Patton on board as the mountain bike recruiting coordinator. He is a seasoned recruiter who will work tirelessly to help see this program grow to its full potential.”
Branyon played a role in the organization of the Georgia High School Cycling League, which began in 2013, and has been a Level 3 National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) coach. Branyon coached with Prima Tappa, a cycling oriented and recreational athletic club in Hall County, for two seasons and then started the program as head coach at Chestatee High School in 2016. In addition, Branyon served two years as the Georgia High School Cycling League public announcer and is currently the director of security for the league.
“I am excited about the opportunity God has put before me here at Truett McConnell,” Branyon said.
Aside from Branyon’s cycling experience, Branyon has been in law enforcement for 30 years serving in Clarke, Hall, Lumpkin and Gwinnett counties. Most of Branyon’s years were spent as a special agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, including spending seven years as the Crime Scene Unit Commander for Gwinnett County. Currently, Branyon is the Dahlonega City Marshal and has been in this role since December of 2017.
Branyon received his undergraduate degree in speech communications from the University of Georgia and earned his Master’s in Public Safety Administration from Columbus State University. Branyon, his wife (Jodi) and five children currently reside in Gainesville, Georgia.
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Joan Suggs is the Director of Athletic Marketing and Communications for TMU Athletics.
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