Aaron Bryant Named New Cleveland State Baseball Head Coach

For the first time in 31 years there is a new head baseball coach at Cleveland State Community College.

Long time assistant coach Aaron Bryant is taking over for Michael Policastro.

"I'm absolutely thrilled and excited, but also know I've got some extremely big shoes to fill," Bryant said. "31 years at the same place with the consistency in which he has done the job will be hard to live up to."

Most of Bryant's coaching career has been with Cleveland State, where he has been an assistant for the past 21 years. He was hired by Policastro in the summer of 2003.

"Coach Policastro hired me August of 2003 on a Friday and I had to be there by Monday!" Bryant said.

Bryant played baseball at Tennessee Wesleyan from August 1998-May 2001 before getting his first coaching job.

In June 2001 he was hired as pitching coach for the Winchester Royals in the Shenandoah Valley League by his pitching coach, and Bryant became head coach that summer. The Royals won the league championship in 2001.

After two seasons he then coached at Seminole Community College in Lake Mary, Florida, now known as Seminole State College of Florida, where his team won the state championship and attended the Junior College World Series in 2003.

After making it to the Region 7 NJCAA championship game this season finishing runner-up on Friday May 10, a few days later that Monday morning, Policastro let Bryant know he was retiring.

"Him telling me has to be as typical from him as possible," Bryant said. "I walk into the office and after sitting there for about three minutes he just stops, looks up, and says, alright, here's the deal, I'm retiring from baseball."

"I was absolutely blindsided, didn't expect that then, honestly it was bittersweet, we've had a really long run together," Bryant said. "Words can't describe what he has done for me. I owe him almost everything in regard to the coach that I am today. He has molded me and given me an opportunity to fail and learn."

"He has been every bit of a mentor, leader, and friend towards me over the last 21 years. Every major decision I've had in my life he has known about and helped guide me. It's been an absolute pleasure to coach alongside him and turn boys into men," Bryant said.

"I know the program will be in good hands with Aaron and Grant and I look forward to supporting them and watching the team." Policastro said.

Grant Zawadzki will remain as the recruiting coordinator and infield and hitting coach.

While Bryant takes over as the head coach, Policastro will remain in his role as athletic director.

Edwin Bear
Cleveland State Community College
Sports Information/Media Relations