McLaughlin named Head Wrestling Coach
SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts – The American International College Department of Athletics has named Darby McLaughlin its Head Wrestling Coach, Director of Athletics Jessica Chapin announced on Tuesday, September 12.
"Darby brings decades of experience as an educator and wrestling coach. He has proven his ability to bring the best out of student-athletes by creating an environment of individual and team success on the mat, in the classroom, and in the community. We are excited to have him lead our program," Chapin said.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to be the head wrestling coach at AIC, particularly as a native of Springfield. My commitment is to the success of the entire program, and I am excited to get to work. We have a tough and determined group of student-athletes who are eager to start training. AIC has enormous potential in NCAA Division II Wrestling, and with the support of the families, school administration, alumni, and community, we will relentlessly pursue that potential," McLaughlin said.
McLaughlin has been a physical education teacher in the Springfield Public School system for nearly a quarter century, having first been hired in September of 1999. He was named Head Wrestling Coach at Springfield Central High School in 2000 and built the program into a power, winning MIAA DI State Championships in 2006, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020, and finishing runner-up six other times. His individual athletes have won 19 DI Massachusetts titles, including three New England crowns and a national title.
He has been recognized eight times by the Massachusetts State Coaches Association as Division I Coach of the Year, and earned NWCA Coach of the Year honors in 2006 and 2017.
In addition to his coaching duties and teaching, McLaughlin administered all other aspects of the Central Wrestling program. He led team study hall, collaborated with administration to ensure adherence to MIAA regulations, organized community outreach activities, and fundraised significantly to supplement the program's budget.
McLaughlin is an alumnus of the College, having earned a master's in business administration and management in 2019; he previously earned a bachelor's degree in exercise science from Westfield State University in 1999.