Coach Tollerud is excited to bring energy, enthusiasm, and a slightly suspicious love for sneakers to Centennial Magnet Middle School, where he teaches Healthful Living and Physical Education. Originally from the cereal capital of the world—Battle Creek, Michigan—Coach T has spent the last decade shaping young minds and muscles in a variety of classroom settings.

He began his career teaching 5th grade core subjects (yes, including fractions!) before following his true passion into PE. Prior to landing at Centennial, he taught at West Cary Middle School, where he also served as the first responder for sports. Whether it’s taping an ankle or cheering on the sidelines, Coach T loves helping student-athletes chase their health and fitness goals.

Along the way, Coach Tollerud has had the privilege of learning from some incredible mentors and colleagues—especially at Bugg Elementary and West Cary Middle School—who’ve helped mold him into the educator (and semi-pro dodgeballer) he is today.

When he’s not at school, Coach T is usually working out, exploring the great outdoors, or chasing around his three kids… and his three cats… and his two dogs. His wife deserves a medal. He’s thrilled to be part of the Centennial community and can’t wait to bring the fun (and the fitness) to the gym every day.