CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Queens University of Charlotte has selected
Rob Tate to lead the men's wrestling program as head coach, director of athletics
Cherie Swarthout announced today. Tate was named the program's assistant coach in the spring of 2017 and has been at the helm since February of 2018.
"Coach Tate made an immediate impact on our program during his interim time as head coach," Swarthout commented. "He has proven his ability to lead, mentor, and hold our student-athletes to the highest level of expectations. They have made significant improvements during his short tenure both academically and athletically."
Under Tate's leadership, the Royals picked up wins over Clemson, East Carolina, and South Carolina's club teams. In addition, 10 wrestlers qualified for competition at the NCWA National Wrestling Championships where Queens finished fifth out of 79 teams competing. The Royals also brought home two individual national champions in
Noah Curreri and
Devinaire Hayes. Curreri completed the Championships undefeated at 6-0 while Hayes was undefeated at 5-0. Additionally,
Melvin Rubio,
Noah Gilbert, and
Stephon Halliburton also earned All-America honors as a result of their finishes.
"I'm thankful to Cherie for the opportunity to lead and help grow these young men and feel blessed to be surrounded by such great colleagues trying to achieve the same things in their respective sports," Tate stated. "I'm excited about the challenge and look forward to contributing to the excellence this department has become accustomed to."
Prior to joining the Royals, Tate was an assistant coach at Charlotte Country Day for two seasons. He also spent two years as a volunteer assistant wrestling coach at Gardner Webb University.
Tate received his bachelor's degree from Gardner Webb University in 2011 after completing his wrestling career. He was a three-year starter for the Bulldogs compiling a record of 71-26. In 2007, Tate was an NCAA Division I National Championship Qualifier after being an Eastern Regional Champion.
"Coach Tate has embraced the Queens culture since arriving as an assistant and recognizes what is needed to lead a successful wrestling program," Swarthout added.
The Royals will begin NCAA Division II competition in the fall of 2018.
