West Virginia State and Carson-Newman football players gather on the field at WVSU’s Dickerson Stadium in Institute on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, to honor Jyilek Harrington, who was shot and killed Wednesday. Their game, originally scheduled for Thursday, was postponed until Friday at noon.
West Virginia State and Carson-Newman football players gather on the field at WVSU’s Dickerson Stadium in Institute on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, to honor Jyilek Harrington, who was shot and killed Wednesday. Their game, originally scheduled for Thursday, was postponed until Friday at noon.
Jyilek Harrington was more than a player on the West Virginia State football team. According to those who knew him, Harrington, 21, was a light in a dark room to those around him.
The Charlotte, North Carolina, native was shot and killed on Wednesday in the Patriot at Greenbrier apartment complex in the Fort Hill area of ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä.
“First and foremost, he was just a beautiful soul,†WVSU coach John Pennington said. “He was kind-hearted with an infectious smile. He was excited every day to be at practice and in the weight room. He was always smiling and positive. He loved God and football. He did our team prayers and brought people closer to God.
“On our football team, he inspired not only his teammates, but the coaching staff. He did everything with a great attitude and the way he lived his life was inspiring.â€
Harrington’s personality rubbed off on Pennington.
“He was someone that you wanted to be around all the time,†Pennington said. “He made everyone around him better. He was one of the most incredible young men that I’ve ever had the opportunity to coach. We’re brokenhearted right now.â€
Harrington joined the Yellow Jackets this year after previously playing at Carson-Newman University in Tennessee.
“You don’t see very many 21-year-olds with that incredible personality and attitude,†Pennington said. “I’ll never forget him and the way that he was. He made you want to live your life better. He made you want to get closer to God. He made you want to be more positive. He made you want to be more excited about what you were doing. Everything he did was infectious.â€
Harrington’s death sent shockwaves through West Virginia State University.
“Jyilek truly embodied what it means to be a student-athlete and was a leader not only on campus but in the community,†Yellow Jackets athletic director Nate Burton said in a release. “Jyilek was a young man that, during Christmas, would create a GoFundMe to help less fortunate families.
WVSU President Ericke S. Cage added his condolences as well in a news release.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Jyilek’s family as they mourn the loss of this incredible young man,†Cage said.
Harrington came to WVSU following stints at Carson-Newman and Erskine College.
He recorded eight total tackles in the Yellow Jackets’ season-opening 27-24 victory at Barton College on Sept. 5.
“We’re just all grieving,†Pennington said. “It’s been a struggle all day. Everyone’s in the grieving process. We’ve been trying to come together as a team and provide services. The professionals in the school have been incredible with helping us with providing counseling services to our players.
“It reminds you how precious life is and how much you need to express how you feel about your teammates and family. It makes you want to call your spouse, parents or kids and tell them you love them.â€
The Yellow Jackets were scheduled to play their home opener Thursday night against Carson-Newman. However, after the tragedy, that start time was pushed back to Friday at noon at Lakin-Ray Field at Dickerson Stadium.
The game will begin after a moment of silence before kickoff to remember Harrington.
Pennington knew it would be difficult to play or coach in a game, but said it’s what Harrington would’ve wanted.
“We really didn’t know what to do,†Pennington said. “It was a struggle for me and everybody. We knew that Jyilek would want us to play this game. He played at Carson-Newman. He had this game circled on his calendar. We knew that he would want to play this game. But, less than 24 hours after what happened, it was impossible to play tonight [Thursday].
“We felt the game needed to be played, but tonight was just too early.â€
Pennington wants everyone to never forget who Harrington was.
“He was someone that made everyone around him better,†Pennington said. “He prayed with many players on our team and help them in their spiritual journey. He was a guy that was kind-hearted and wanted to help people and enjoyed life everyday. He made everybody want to live a better lifestyle.â€
