COLUMBUS, Ohio — The next opportunity can be just around the corner.
 
For former Stony Brook football walk-on Chris Fenelon, his opportunities have been many and he has jumped at each one. He's jumped so far as to eventually land himself as the assistant strength and conditioning coach at Ohio State University.
 
Fenelon has been with the Buckeyes for nearly 18 months.
 
The Bellrose native credits his experience as a member of the Stony Brook football program for giving him the desire to always work hard for what he has wanted.
 
"Walking on at Stony Brook humbled me and gave me an edge," Fenelon said. "I realized that I acted entitled and it showed in my attitude at first, but I realized that I have to earn everything. Walking on developed my work ethic and perseverance.
 
"I had to work multiple odd jobs to get some pocket change while trying to make a lasting impression on our coaching staff. Even when I earned a scholarship, I still held a few part-time jobs because I didn't want to get too comfortable. Looking back on it, walking on really helped mold me into who I am today." 
 
Fenelon, who received his degree in 2013 from Stony Brook, earned his way to a scholarship during his career as a TE/FB for head coach Chuck Priore and the Seawolves. He caught 15 passes for 205 yards and a touchdown while he donned the Stony Brook uniform.  
 
Eventually, an opportunity for Fenelon came at Iowa State, where he spent three years on the strength and conditioning staff.
 
"The most rewarding part of my life to this point is when I got hired at Iowa State University for my first full-time career job," Fenelon said. "There were so many smaller rewarding parts that culminated to this major rewarding moment. There were so many hours put into studying, interning, traveling, etc., in order to get that phone call. It's a moment I won't ever forget, and I am forever grateful."
 
Fenelon's job is to help shape and mold the lives and careers of young football players, much like what happened to him while at Stony Brook.
 
"David Van Dyke, who was my first strength coach at Stony Brook, played a huge role in my career," Fenelon said. "He got me on the path to strength and conditioning by giving me my first internship after I finished my football career at Stony Brook."
 
Fenelon's first opportunity came as an intern with the New York Jets. He then spent time as a graduate assistant at Toledo before he landed the job with the Cyclones.
 
For Fenelon, his opportunities in life have given him a chance to succeed and feel rewarded in what he has accomplished.
 
"It was a great accomplishment for me to be a part of the program that won the 2019 Big Ten Championship, and to earn a bid to the College Football Playoff," Fenelon said. "I've never been part of a conference championship or a playoff bid outside of Stony Brook. It was an incredible experience, and it is a reminder why we put in so many hours."