Air Force Assist

Andy Newberry
18 July 2024

Student Life General Sports

SAFB instructor enjoys opportunity as volunteer coach with MSU Mustangs

Andy Newberry
18 July 2024
3 min read

Zachary Weber played college football at Morehead State University and Central State University before joining the Air Force in 2006.

When he moved to Sheppard Air Force Base as an instructor, it created another opportunity for him in college football, working as a volunteer coach with Midwestern State University’s football program.

“I have been coaching since I was very young and have always enjoyed helping others achieve their goals,” Weber said. “It takes me back to my playing and previous coaching days. I love being on the field with the team.”

To Weber, being with a football team after a day at work is relaxing.

“It just feels like home, being on the field,” he said.

Mustangs head coach Rich Renner wrote a letter after last season to show his great appreciation for Weber’s service to the team. Weber is pursuing his master’s in Sports Administration at MSU Texas, and he has enjoyed getting to know former head coach Bill Maskill, Renner, and the coaching staff.

“It just shows the kind of person that he is,” Weber said of Renner’s letter. “He cares for everyone in the football program and university like they are his own. I have learned so much here. I am blessed to have this opportunity, and I enjoy it every day.”

Weber was a kicker and punter in college and has used that experience to help the specialists at MSU Texas. The Mustangs are gearing up for their 2024 season opener on Aug. 29 against Missouri Southern at Memorial Stadium.

Renner, like Maskill, loves seeing how Weber has helped the team. Renner and Weber have an Ohio connection as well. “Us Buckeyes have to stick together,” Renner said. “He fits right in with us. He has a passion for coaching. We brought him on as a volunteer consultant, and he works with kickers and punters.

Zachary Weber receives award noting his service to MSU Texas Football. — Technical Sergeant Zachary Weber receives a plaque noting his service to MSU Texas Football. He has worked to help the kickers and punters for the Mustangs.

“The first year he was here our kicker and punter became all-conference. He brings that military mentality to our specialists and our staff.”

Weber may have a future in coaching once he retires from the military. But now, he’s looking forward to another season with the Mustangs. The individual attention he has given to the specialists during practice has helped the team, Renner said.

“Being able to coach on a football field is always a special experience,” Weber said. “MSU has great people, facilities, players, and overall environment. This is my first time being a part of a college program, and there is so much work that the staff does. I am just trying to help the coaching staff when I am there. Plus, I enjoy the fact I get to coach the specialist group. I love my kickers, punters, and long snappers; plus I am bringing in several new faces this fall, and I can't wait to see how they come together as a group. Competitiveness will only result in success, and that is what we preach every day at MSU.”

Weber grew up in Springfield, Ohio. He joined the Air Force in 2006 and since has been stationed in Florida, Alaska, Spain, California, and Texas. He and his wife, Ashley, have four children (Corri, Zoe, Jackson, and Harrison).

Weber, a Technical Sergeant, has worked in aircraft maintenance for 18 years. He is currently an instructor at Sheppard Air Force Base, teaching new airmen coming out of basic training on the basics of aircraft maintenance.