OCU Trailblazers鈥� George Arroyo Jr. has 鈥榝ront row view鈥� of athletics as AD and soccer HC
CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — Some big changes and a true reset seem to be upon us with the Trailblazers at OCU. Lots of people are changing roles and positions within the university, specifically in the athletic department. As recently announced, David Bireline stepped down from his role as Athletic Director after leaving a solid foundation for the intercollegiate athletes and sports programs. Stepping into those shoes and taking on the role as Athletic Director, the University named George Arroyo Jr. as their newest leader in late July. Fresh in his role and on campus, Arroyo looks forward to changes coming and carrying on the vision of those before him.
Arroyo leads a busy life and has always wanted to lead others in some fashion. Graduating from Southeastern University in 2008 and going on to get a Masters Degree in Sport Science and a Masters Degree in Business Administration from the United States Sports Academy and Warner University shows his willingness and ability to reach goals he has set for himself. Arroyo has had the pleasure of serving within college athletics since 2011 as an assistant coach, then head coach in 2012 for Warner University. Following Warner, Arroyo even had an opportunity to coach at Eastern Nazarene College while also teaching in the Sport Management Department. In the summer of 2020, he was offered the head men鈥檚 soccer role along with teaching within the School of Business at Ohio Christian University.
According to Arroyo, the AD role is exciting because he gets to be hands on with more student-athletes as he enjoys working closely with many of the sports teams in addition to the classroom. Arroyo is wearing a couple different hats this fall with being a teacher, a coach and an athletic director; however, Arroyo is determined to prepare his students for success by striving for excellence in all areas and because of this he has hopes that these students will impact, serve and lead others in the future. Determined or not, Arroyo is prepared to face challenges as he accepts all of these new roles but he is truly optimistic about tackling them.
During our interview, Arroyo stated that while there may be some conflicts and challenges, it鈥檚 really a blessing to have both positions because 鈥�…I have a front row view to many of the day to day challenges other coaches face. My ability or inability to lead directly impacts other teams, including the team I coach. Because I have a responsibility to lead two teams, it motivates me more to ensure each decision made is done so with everyone in mind.鈥� This certainly speaks volumes about the type of leadership Arroyo brings to the table at OCU.
In addition to adding George Arroyo Jr. to the team, the new AD wanted to make sure his staff were recognized, as well. The wonderful leadership team in the athletic department added Casey Coons, Assistant Athletic Director, and Kevin Jones, Vice President of Enrollment- two great individuals who have a real heart for athletics and students. As the team continues to grow with each other, they have a mission to not only recruit high-character student-athletes and to use athletics as a platform to impact those we lead, and to be competitive in all sport programs but also to leave OCU with memories that extend beyond successes and wins – to leave with a sense of pride that they competed as a Trailblazer!
On the back of a 2020-2021 COVID season, Trailblazer coaches and athletes are excited to once again return to competition with full schedules and crowds. Game schedules can be found at . Come check out the exciting changes happening on campus!
This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.