Sikes Family Field Announcement

On Saturday, March 1, 2025, Warner University will be celebrating and honoring a long-time staff member who embodies what it means to be a Royal. For 40 years, Coach Jeff Sikes served Warner University faithfully. Aside from his many professional accolades and achievements on the baseball field, Coach Sikes was always known for and committed to introducing people to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The impact he has made on the Kingdom of Heaven goes far beyond Warner University and baseball, and it will resound through eternity.

To forever cement Coach Sikes’ legacy, Warner University will rename the baseball field in his
honor. As of March 1st, the “Sikes Family Field” will stand as a testament to his impact on Warner
University, his dedication to pouring into the lives of hundreds of student-athletes, and his love for the game of baseball.

More details about this special day will be forthcoming.

As the head coach of the Royals, Coach Sikes compiled an impressive record of 1,230 wins, 944 losses, and 4 ties. Coach Sikes was and is the longest-serving head coach in the history of the Sun Conference. Under Coach Sikes’s leadership, the Royals made 13 appearances in the NAIA Regional or Opening Round and five appearances in the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) World Series. Furthermore, 14 former student-athletes, who played for Coach Sikes, have gone on to play professional baseball in the MLB, and more than 50 have advanced to become high school, college, or professional coaches.

Throughout his coaching career, Coach Sikes accumulated many accolades and awards. He was named NAIA Conference and Regional Coach of the Year several times during his career. In 2001, he was named the Florida Diamond Club Coach of the Year, and in 2013 he was also inducted into the Charter Class Sports Hall of Fame at Warner University. In 2023, Coach Sikes received the distinct honor of being inducted into the Polk County Hall of Fame. Most recently, in January of 2025, Coach Sikes received the prestigious Robert E. “Ish” Smith Achievement Award. This award is bestowed upon individuals who demonstrate unselfish devotion to the promotion of NAIA Baseball. Recipients are nominated and selected by the NAIA Baseball Coaches Association Executive Committee, and the award is one of the highest honors a coach can earn. Coach Sikes was the 24th recipient of this distinguished award.