LAKE WALES, Fla - Warner University is introducing Strength Sports as a program that will now offer Scholarships to Lifters under the "Strength Sports" team to represent Warner University at USAW and USAPL events, under the helm of Director of Strength and Conditioning Pete Townley.
Over the last few years weight training has become more and more popular among those persons outside of traditional sporting endeavors. More individuals are learning the olympic lifts (weightlifting) and the power lifts ( SQUAT, BENCH, AND DEADLIFT) as a means to personal improvement and increased performance. Programs such as CrossFit have introduced these techniques, traditionally reserved for high level athletes, to a wide new audience. That audience includes droves of high school students who are learning these techniques at an earlier and earlier age. The research supports the idea that these movements are a great way for young athletes to develop. An increasing number of young athletes are forgoing the traditional sports route and are looking for opportunities to pursue weightlifting and powerlifting, the trouble is there are very few avenues for these athletes to get the sport specific training they need to do well in the sport of weightlifting, or powerlifting.
The USAW (the governing body in American weightlifting) has seen this trend and has partnered with businesses like Crossfit, and now with schools as well, to help create an avenue for these athletes, and to promote the sport. Warner is excited that now is the time to open the door to these athletes and provide that opportunity to them at Warner University. Warner will now offer Scholarships to Lifters in both sports under the "Strength Sports" team to represent Warner University at USAW and USAPL events, under the direction of Director of Strength and Conditioning Pete Townley.
Coach Townley has run similar programs at other universities and is excited to lead the Royals in the strength sports. " We plan on having our athletes compete in a few sanctioned meets throughout the year, and also have some fun duels with other universities. I hope to bring my experience as a weightlifter, and weightlifting coach to develop athletes that compete on the national stage." In addition Coach Townley Sees this move as a great opportunity to provide athletic opportunities to athletes who didn't have that route available. "There aren't many schools offering scholarships in these sports, so I am excited that these strong men and women will now have that same college sports experience in the sport in which they excel." The athletes will compete in the university/collegiate divisions in the respective sports, and have the option to choose one or the other , or both. " Most athletes will have a preference, but there might be some situations where an athlete can compete in both strength sports."
Interim Athletic Director Sean Hanrahan is excited with the addition of the new sports program," We are excited to compete in two associations beginning 2024-25 season. Coach Townley brings a wealth of experience in Olympic training as a coach and athlete. I have had the honor of getting to know Coach Pete this last year through early morning workouts and cups of coffee. He is a motivator of men who loves Jesus. We are blessed to have him begin this program at Warner University."
Weightlifting = USAW
Powerlifting = USAPL
(Olympic Qualification available)
