LAKE WALES, Fla - Warner University is proud to announce the naming of Taiwo Ariyo as the Head Coach for Men's & Women's Track and Field programs.
    Coach Taiwo Ariyo, mostly known as Coach T around campus, was the interim coach this past season for Track & Field where he had a phenomenal showing of athletes having successful seasons and continuing to make nationals in both indoor and outdoor. Coach T was a part of the Nigeria National when they participated in the 2023 World Track & Field Championships in Budapest, Hungary this past August.
    He is very grateful for what the sport of Track & Field has brought to his life as he stated, " I sincerely thank God for being a light throughout my journey. The lows and highs God has helped me through have shaped me into the coach and person I am today. However, my experience is twofold, while my past and current experiences are similar. On the other hand, my current Warner experience is unique from my international experience. For instance, the significant but unique difference is that Christian beliefs and values predominantly influence Warner's leadership and guiding principles. Isaiah 41:10 & 13: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. / For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."
    He puts his trust in the Lord as he continues to help shape his program, athletes, and wants to continue to help them grow in their faith, "I always pray for the wisdom to lead and see myself as a messenger, not a boss, because I believe great opportunities come with great responsibilities. To improve and revamp the program, I have focused on and shall continue to be mindful of the athlete's needs while facilitating the student's spiritual growth. Also, I believe in the transformative power of letting go and allowing a higher power to take control, leading to remarkable and positive outcomes. Proverbs 3:5–6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight."
   A lesser known fact from the newly appointed Head coach is that when he was back in Nigeria he was an instructor for Dance and Aerobics, as well as he has traveled to six of the seven continents in the world.
    Athletic Director Sean Hanrahan is excited about announcing Coach T as the Head Coach and what he will bring to the program as well as Warner University as a whole, "I am excited to announce our new Head Coach for Men's and Women's Track and Field, Taiwo Aryio. Coach T has mastered the ability to teach his craft and is well known in the Olympic sprinting profession around the world. For ten days, he coached the Nigerian Olympic team in preparation for the qualifying rounds. I have spent the last three months watching Coach T with his student-athletes, and one phrase comes to mind, he is loved. He absolutely cares for their well being and most importantly shows them how to develop a relationship with Christ. I look forward to watching him develop this program on and off the field."
