A Coach With Dual Passions
Adam Rutledge, a 1999 state championship player for Salem High School, has been named the new boys basketball head coach, succeeding Kevin Garst, who is retiring after 19 seasons.
Rutledge’s journey to the varsity bench blends two lifelong passions: basketball and music. After graduating from Salem, he earned a business administration degree from Roanoke College and spent three years leading Andrew Lewis Middle School to a 44‑4 record, highlighted by an undefeated 16‑0 campaign this past winter.
Beyond the gym, Rutledge is a respected music teacher and performer in the Roanoke Valley, often drawing parallels between the rhythm of a game and the cadence of a song.
In a statement, Rutledge said he feels “honored and humbled” to take over the program, noting that the lessons learned on the court will inform his approach to performance and mentorship.
Kevin Garst, whose tenure reshaped the Salem basketball culture, praised Rutledge’s deep connection to the school and his “love for the game” that he believes will continue the program’s upward trajectory.
The Salem varsity team posted a 19‑win season last year and reached the regional quarterfinals, setting a high bar for the incoming coach as he looks to build on that momentum.