COLUMBUS, OH | Feb. 27 – Mar. 2, 2025 – The Warner University weightlifting team made a historic national debut at the USA Weightlifting National University Championships, held during the prestigious Arnold Classic in Columbus, Ohio. Competing among the nation's best, the Royals put together a strong showing marked by personal bests, standout performances, and a whole lot of Royal pride.

Freshman Owen Tannehill turned heads with a breakout performance, earning a Top 5 national ranking in his weight class. Tannehill set personal records with a 125 kg snatch and a 146 kg clean and jerk, highlighting the team's weekend full of growth and grit.

Tannehill was joined on the platform by teammates Jason Nguyen, Isaiah Love, Adrian Zalduondo, Lamont Graham Jr., Alex Papale, Susan Rivera, Jalyssa Robison, and Donovan Agelvis—all of whom hit new personal records and represented Warner with excellence.

The Royals were led by Head Coach Pete Townley, who expressed confidence in his squad heading into the national stage.

"This event was an incredible experience for our lifters. Competing at this level—and at such a renowned venue—was a big step for our program," Townley shared. "I'm proud of how hard our team worked to qualify and even prouder of how they performed under the spotlight."

And yes—true to the spirit of the Arnold Classic, the team even got the chance to meet the Arnold Schwarzenegger and came home with more than just new PRs—some cool memories and gear in tow.

PERSONAL RECORDS

• Jason Nguyen – 90 kg Snatch / 127 kg Clean and Jerk

• Owen Tannehill – 125 kg Snatch / 146 kg Clean and Jerk

• Adrian Zalduondo – 101 kg Snatch / 128 kg Clean and Jerk

• Isaiah Love – 95 kg Snatch / 132 kg Clean and Jerk

• Lamont Graham Jr. – 83 kg Snatch / 100 kg Clean and Jerk

• Alex Papale – 118 kg Snatch / 160 kg Clean and Jerk

• Susan Rivera – 64 kg Snatch

• Jalyssa Robison – 55 kg Snatch / 77 kg Clean and Jerk

• Donovan Agelvis – 105 kg Snatch / 130 kg Clean and Jerk

The Warner Weightlifting program continues to grow with strength, purpose, and a Christ-centered mission. This national showing is just the beginning of what's to come for the Royals on the platform.