Tate new head coach at Queens University

It's official: Rob Tate has been named head wrestling coach at Queens University, the Charlotte-based school announced Monday.

Tate had been hired as an assistant coach of the program launched in the 2017-18 season under head coach Ken Chertow, who left the program in February 2018. Tate had been named interim coach upon Chertow's departure; now the word "interim" has been removed from his title.

"Coach Tate made an immediate impact on our program during his interim time as head coach," said Queens director of athletics Cherie Swarthout. "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."

"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.

Under Tate's leadership, the Royals picked up wins over Clemson, East Carolina, and South Carolina's club teams. In addition, ten wrestlers qualified to compete at the NCWA (National College Wrestling Association) National Championships, with two Royals - Noah Curreri and Devinaire Hayes - bringing home individual titles, and three others earning All-American honors. The team finished fifth out of 79 teams competing.

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.

Rob Tate received his bachelor's degree from Gardner Webb 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.

"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 said. "I'm excited about the challenge and look forward to contributing to the excellence this department has become accustomed to."

Founded in 1857, Queens University is a private, four-year university located in Charlotte, North Carolina. It has an enrollment of approximately 1,900 students. The Royals wrestling program will be competing in NCAA Division II this fall.