CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Following an unprecedented 14-win season this past year, The Citadel wrestling head coach Ryan LeBlanc has opted to elevate Luke Welch to the position of associate head coach, per an official release from the program Friday.

"I couldn't be happier for Coach Welch on his promotion to Associate Head Coach and his decision to stay in Charleston," LeBlanc said. "Over the past four years, he has been an integral part of growing The Citadel Wrestling program. His steadfast commitment and loyalty have earned him this well-deserved promotion. Coach Welch will continue to guide our cadet-athletes both on and off the mat."

Welch, a graduate of Purdue, joined LeBlanc at The Citadel when the latter took the vacant head coaching position prior to the 2020-21 campaign. Since then, the duo have overseen three NCAA Wrestling Championship qualifiers in Dazjon Casto, Michael McAleavy and, most recently, Jeff Boyd as well as a total 31 victories across four seasons of action.

The Bulldogs return to the mat later this November for their 2024-25 campaign.