FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Nova Southeastern University cross country/track and field head coach Bryan Hagopian has announced the hiring of Austin Warner as assistant coach for both the cross country and track and field teams.
 
Warner has served on the Sharks' coaching staff as a graduate assistant since the fall of 2013. He has worked directly with both programs, specializing in distance and steeplechase events.
 
"Austin has been a reliable coach since stepping on campus last season," said Hagopian. "We've seen a dramatic change in the culture of our cross country and track and field teams since he arrived. He brings new, energetic ideas that will take our program to the next level."
 
Since arriving at NSU, Warner's impact has been evident. Last year, the men's cross country team had a stellar year in which Long Tran (Jr., Saigon, Vietnam) ran at the NCAA National Championship. The women had their best year in program history, with Alex Palm winning the 2013 SSC Championship and the entire team appearing at Nationals.
 
In the spring of 2014, Warner helped the Sharks' distance and steeplechase competitors make an impact at the Peach Belt Championship. In the 3,000 meter steeplechase, NSU swept the top-4 on the women's side, claiming a total of 29 points. He also coached Wade White (So., Bangor, Pa.) to a win in the men's event.
 
Originally from Dyer, Indiana, Warner earned his Bachelor's degree from Trinity Christian College. Warner is a three-time NAIA national qualifier in cross country and a four-time national qualifier on the track.

He served as the team captain his junior and senior seasons and holds five school records at Trinity while holding personal bests of 14:53 in the 5000m and 31:59 in the 10000m.

Previously, Warner served as an assistant for the men's and women's cross country programs at Hawaii Pacific University, where HPU hosted the Pac West and NCAA Division II West Regional Cross Country Championships.