Arlington Baptist University

Arlington Baptist University Names Larry Tidwell as Athletic Director - Arlington Baptist University Larry Tidwell brings one of the most accomplished resumes in collegiate athletics to Arlington Baptist University. He completed his 50th year of coaching and teaching in May 2026. His extensive experience in coaching, teaching, fundraising, athletic administration, and leadership at the high school,...

We are beyond excited to welcome Coach Larry Tidwell as our new Director of Athletics at ABU! We look forward to the leadership, vision, and impact he will bring as we continue building the future of ABU Athletics. Here’s to an exciting new chapter!

Today we remember and honor all the brave soldiers who laid down their lives for our freedom. 🇺🇸

Campus will be closed Monday, May 25, 2026 in observance of Memorial Day. 🇺🇸

New Patriots, it’s time to sign up for New Student Orientation at Arlington Baptist University!

We are excited to welcome our incoming students to campus as you begin your journey at ABU. All new students are required to attend one in-person orientation session.

📅 Orientation Dates:
• June 23, 2026
• August 11, 2026

⏰ Time: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

During orientation, students will receive important information about academics, student life, campus resources, and enrollment.

Please note: Students must complete the admissions process and receive an official acceptance letter prior to orientation in order to enroll in classes that day.

The sign-up link is located in our bio, so be sure to fill it out and select your orientation date. We can’t wait to meet you and help you prepare for a successful start at ABU!

New Patriots, here are the dates for our upcoming New Student Orientation! All new ABU students are required to attend one of these sessions, so please be sure to save a date on your calendar.

The sign-up link will be released soon, and students will be able to register for the orientation date that works best for them. We can’t wait to welcome you to campus!

Class of 2026, today is the day! 🎓

We can’t wait to celebrate these students today at 2:00 PM! We’ll see everyone soon.

Thank you City of Arlington!

Arlington Baptist University Names Derek Vierling Head Coach of Men’s Soccer

ARLINGTON, TEXAS — Arlington Baptist University (ABU) is proud to announce the hiring of Derek Vierling as the new Head Coach of the Patriots Men’s Soccer program.

Vierling brings more than 30 years of coaching experience and a legacy of excellence, leadership, and resilience to ABU. Most recently, he served as the longtime head coach at Aledo High School, where he led the Bearcats for 25 years, compiling over 600 career wins and securing 19 district championships. His teams consistently competed at a high level, including multiple state championship appearances and back-to-back district titles in his final seasons.

“Coach Vierling is a transformational leader whose impact extends far beyond the field,” said ABU leadership. “His commitment to developing young men, his competitive excellence, and his Christ-centered approach to leadership align perfectly with the mission of Arlington Baptist University.”

Vierling’s journey over the past several years has been marked not only by coaching success but also by extraordinary personal perseverance. After battling a rare and serious blood disorder that required months of hospitalization, dialysis, and ongoing treatment, he returned to the sidelines with renewed purpose and passion. His story of resilience has inspired players, families, and communities across North Texas.

“Soccer has always been about more than the game,” said Vierling. “It’s about building relationships, shaping character, and investing in young men for life beyond the field. I’m incredibly honored and excited to join ABU and continue that mission.”

In addition to his on-field accomplishments, Vierling is known for his leadership philosophy centered on accountability, discipline, and team culture. His approach emphasizes player development not only technically and physically, but also mentally and spiritually—preparing student-athletes to succeed in all areas of life.

ABU Men’s Soccer looks forward to a new era under Coach Vierling’s leadership, with a continued focus on competitive excellence, spiritual growth, and developing worldchangers.

For more information about ABU Athletics, visit http://www.abu.edu.