Columbus, Ohio— Having just completed his fourth season as an assistant coach with the Buckeyes, Dave Rollins has been promoted to Associate Head Coach of the Ohio State men’s swimming team.
The former University of Arizona standout and American record holder has helped the Scarlet and Gray to four consecutive top-three finishes at the Big Ten Championships as well as four straight top-20 finishes at the NCAA Championships.
In his four years on the coaching staff there have been eight All-Americans, over 30 honorable mention All-Americans, and five Big Ten champions, not to mention numerous academic accolades as well. Back in the fall, Ohio State was ranked as the No. 1 school in the country by USA Today for men’s swimming.
“When my family and I first came to Columbus, almost four years ago, we knew that Ohio State would be an exciting adventure,” Rollins said. “Today, Caroline, Alice, Elliot and I could not be happier to call Columbus home.”
“I want to thank Coach Wadley for his tremendous honor and I am truly humbled to be named the Associate Head Coach for Men’s Swimming,” he continued. “This is an honor I share not only with my family, but with colleagues, friends and Buckeye swimmers and divers, past and present. I am excited to continue the rich tradition and build Ohio State Swimming and Diving into a dominant national power.”
Rollins came to Columbus with coaching experience at the club, high school, and collegiate levels. He is a former NCAA champion, nine-time All-American, United States national finalist and Olympic Trials participant.
Following his time as a competitor, he began coaching at Tucson Ford Dealers Aquatics under Hall of Famer Frank Busch. Rollins worked with multiple Olympic and World Champion gold medalists. Moving to Northern Arizona University in 2007, he served as an assistant coach for the Lumberjacks for three seasons. While in Flagstaff, he also was head coach for Peaks Aquatic Club. In both capacities, he played a major role in impacting the quality and growth of the programs, highlighted by 12 school records at N.A.U. and moving Peaks into the U.S.A. Bronze Medal Club category.
“Dave has done a remarkable job working directly with Coach Wadley in leading our young men,” said TJ Shelton, Associate Director of Athletics and sports administrator for the men’s swimming team. “As a collegiate champion himself, Dave knows what it takes to train at a high level while balancing academics and campus life. This is a great asset for our young men within the program. He’s done a remarkable job recruiting, teaching and providing operational support for the program and this promotion is well deserved.”
His most recent position prior to his arrival at Ohio State was in Cincinnati, where he was the head coach of the west satellite location for the Marlins and was an assistant with St. Xavier High School. Once again his contributions resulted in dramatic results. The Marlins captured three Ohio Age Group Championships. Rollins also worked with Olympic Trial qualifiers as well as national and junior qualifiers along with national and state record holders. His efforts with the Aquabombers were equally productive, as he was part of two Ohio Championships, while coaching 11 All- Americans.
“Dave has helped our team grow by demanding excellence every day,” said current Buckeye swimmer Joey Long. “Our team is young and it really helps to have someone willing to hold everyone accountable so that our team culture can stay in the right direction. I think Dave’s value sometimes goes unrecognized, especially with all the work he is doing behind the scenes. We wouldn’t be a top-15 program without him helping out. As a freshman I remember Dave pulling out the freshmen every week to talk about school and when I fell behind he made sure I got back on track to get to where I am now.”
Swimming new courtesy of Ohio State Swimming & Diving.
