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34-year-old Navy veteran gets start for Jacksonville University

34-year-old Navy vet makes first collegiate start

By Mike Bertha

Brian Holcomb solemnly swore to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and he did so for 17 years in the U.S. Navy. Now, the 34-year-old is set to make his first collegiate start as a pitcher for Jacksonville University.

Holcomb was accepted into the Medical Enlisted Commissioning Program at JU and decided to enroll as a student-athlete, after which he'll serve his country for at least another six years.

Holcomb was added to the roster early March after being cleared through the NCAA. Working on his nursing degree at JU so he can return to service with more knowledge to serve his country, Holcomb lives out his dream on Tuesday night.

"I'm like a little freshman trying to get that spot and do some damage out there on the mound," said Holcomb who turns 35 next week. "Where I am at in my life, I've surpassed a lot of my dreams. I found a role around here and stayed attached to the program and the guys welcomed me in."

Ultimately, Holcomb's goal is to serve his country for 40 years and then retire. Though, when he's out on that mound on Tuesday, we're guessing he's mostly focused on just starting batters out with first-pitch strikes.