Bryan McCarty began coaching at his alma mater, Platt High in Meriden in the 1990-91 season. After one season on the mat as an assistant, McCarty took over the reigns as head coach. At the time of his hiring, he was believed to be the youngest head coach in America (18 years old).

Bryan, who was awarded the Coach of the Year award in 2012 from the Connecticut High School Coaches Association, has led the Panthers to more than 500 dual meet wins, which is currently No. 5 on state's career win list in wrestling. He is one of just five coaches in Connecticut to earn more than 500 wins. He finished the 2022 season with a career record of 511-295-3.

Through his 31-year career, Bryan's wrestlers have earned several national awards. Two wrestlers have been named National High School Coaches Association (NHSCA) All Americans, ten have been recognized as NHSCA Academic All Americans and Luis Murillo was named Connecticut's Dave Shultz award winner in 2002.

Besides coaching, Bryan has served as the Connecticut editor of Wrestling USA Magazine, All State banquet chairman and the Central Connecticut Conference (CCC) wrestling advisor to the athletic directors. A Special Education teacher in the Meriden school system, Bryan was named Platt High Teacher of the Year in 2017.

Posted by the Connecticut Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, May 2022
Profile photo taken May 2022