LAKE WALES, Fla. — Warner University Athletics announces the resigning of Strength and Conditioning Coach and Head Strength Sports Coach Pete Townley, who is transitioning from his role with the Royals following two transformative seasons of building Warner's Strength Sports and Olympic Weightlifting program.

Since its inception, Townley's vision, leadership and commitment to student-athletes have helped establish strength sports as an important and celebrated part of the Warner University Athletics community. What began as a new program quickly developed into a competitive program with national recognition, championship success and a growing roster of student-athletes who have consistently pushed the boundaries of their athletic potential.

Townley launched the Warner University Strength Sports and Olympic Weightlifting Program while simultaneously serving as the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for Warner Athletics. During the program's inaugural 2024-25 season, more than 10 Warner student-athletes qualified for the USA Weightlifting (USAW) National University Championships. The Royals produced two top-10 national finishes, including a fifth-place finish on the men's side and a ninth-place finish on the women's side, while athletes throughout the program continued to establish personal bests and set new program records.

The inaugural season also marked another significant milestone as Warner Athletics hosted the first-ever weightlifting meet on campus, providing Warner student-athletes and the surrounding community with an opportunity to experience the sport firsthand and further establishing the Royals as a home for competitive weightlifting.

Townley continued to expand the program during its second season in 2025-26, adding Olympic Weightlifting to the program's portfolio and nearly doubling the size of the roster. The Royals continued to build upon the success of their inaugural season, producing a new program record for national qualifiers and doubling the number of student-athletes who qualified for national competition compared to the previous season.

Throughout the 2025-26 season, Warner weightlifters continued to break barriers and capitalize on opportunities to showcase their strength, athleticism and competitive spirit. The Olympic Weightlifting team captured a USAW Team Championship, while athletes across the program continued to produce personal-best performances and raise the standard for what was possible within Warner Strength Sports.

Beyond the competitive accomplishments, Townley's influence extended into the Warner University community through his investment in student-athletes and his commitment to developing them both on and off the platform. Following the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, Townley was honored with the Coach of Character Award at Warner Athletics' inaugural DUKES Awards ceremony, recognizing his commitment to character, mentorship and the holistic development of student-athletes.

"It would be hard to overstate the impact that Pete has had on our athletic programs, our students, and on the campus community as a whole," Warner University President Dr. Gentry Sutton said. "We will honor the great work he has done at Warner by continuing to invest in the strength program and by hiring a high-caliber coach. Pete set the standard for professionalism and effective, relational student ministry through athletics, and those same qualities will guide our search. His wonderful student-athletes deserve nothing less."

Townley leaves behind a program that has rapidly grown from its foundation into a recognized component of Warner Athletics. His work has helped create a culture centered on discipline, competition, personal growth and kingdom excellence, while providing student-athletes with opportunities to compete on a national stage.

"Pete's impact will be felt throughout Warner Athletics for years to come," said Warner University Director of Athletics Gregg Mucerino. "He built more than a strength program. He built a culture, invested in our student-athletes and established a standard of excellence that gives us a tremendous foundation to build upon. We are grateful for everything Pete has given to Warner and wish him nothing but the best in his next chapter."

Warner University Athletics remains firmly committed to the continued growth and development of Strength Sports. The university has already begun its search for the next leader of the program and is committed to identifying and hiring a leader who can build upon the foundation established by Townley and continue to provide Warner student-athletes with opportunities to compete, grow and excel.

As Warner Athletics looks toward the future, the Royals do so with gratitude for Townley's contributions in the continued growth of a program that has quickly become an important part of the Warner University community.

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