Takedown Report

Virginia Colleges Coaching changes

Averett promotes Braswell to men’s wrestling head coach as Roulo announces departure
DANVILLE, Va. — Averett University announced the promotion of Sam Braswell to head coach of the men’s wrestling program on Wednesday as Blake Roulo departs for another coaching opportunity. Braswell served as an assistant coach for the past three seasons on Roulo’s staff following a storied career as an All-American with the Cougars. Braswell, who has been affiliated with Averett wrestling since it began in 2018, becomes the Cougars’ third head coach for the storied program which has produced 10 All-America selections, 20 NCAA national qualifiers and five region champions in only eight seasons of existence.
“Sam Braswell has been an integral part of our wrestling program, first as a student-athlete and then as an assistant coach,” Director of Athletics Danny Miller said. “His passion, knowledge and experience not only provides continuity within our program, but also a vision for the continued success and growth of Averett wrestling.”
Braswell had an illustrious collegiate wrestling career at Averett from 2018-2022. A three-time NCAA Division III national qualifier and three-time NWCA All-American, Braswell finished his career at Averett as the program’s leader in wins after going 150-28, including a program single-season record for 42 wins in 2021-22. During his final campaign, Braswell won 39 consecutive matches to start the season and finished fourth nationally while winning the NCAA Southeast Region title at 125 pounds  … more at … https://averettcougars.com/news/2025/7/16/mens-wrestling-averett-promotes-braswell-to-mens-wrestling-head-coach-as-roulo-announces-departure.aspx

Roulo Named Wrestling Coach, Assistant Athletic Director at Ferrum
FERRUM, Virginia — Director of Athletics Cleive Adams has announced the hiring of Blake Roulo as Head Wrestling Coach and Assistant Athletic Director at Ferrum College. Roulo comes to Ferrum from Averett University, where he served the past six years as Head Wrestling Coach.
Roulo posted five consecutive winning seasons at the helm of Averett’s mat program. He racked up 96 career dual meet wins, including 21 over NCAA Division II schools and two over Division I schools. He led the Cougars to an impressive 23-6 overall record in 2021-22, while his 2023-24 team went 20-7. 
Roulo’s accomplishments include having coached 20 NCAA qualifiers, 10 All-Americans, 12 National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Scholar All-Americans, 38 regional placewinners, 14 conference champions, 38 wrestlers nationally ranked by the NWCA and/or d3wrestle.com, and one wrestler ranked #1 in the nation two years in a row. 
A seasoned recruiter, Roulo brought in large recruiting classes at Averett: 46 wrestlers in 2019-20, 54 in 2020-21, 63 in 2021-22, 65 in 2022-23, and 60-plus in 2023-24 and 2024-25. He also excels as a fundraiser, out-pacing all Averett sports programs during Annual Day of Giving events the past three years.  “We’re thrilled to welcome Blake Roulo to Ferrum as our new Head Wrestling Coach and Assistant Athletic Director,” said Adams. “We’re fortunate to have attracted a proven, high-quality coach who can continue to elevate our wrestling program and uphold the elite standards that have been established. In his role as Assistant Athletic Director, Blake will also focus on enhancing game day management as we continue to prioritize the student-athlete and fan experience at Ferrum College.” … more at … https://ferrumpanthers.com/news/2025/7/17/ruolo-named-wrestling-coach-assistant-ad-at-ferrum.aspx

July 27, 2025 - Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | ncaa, news, sports