Virdi and McLean Named as BC Wrestling Development Coaches

BC Wrestling would like to announce the hiring of Tyler McLean and Raj Virdi to lead the next chapter in the long and storied history of the development program. The program will be based in both the lower mainland and Fraser Valley, and will mark the genesis of a new and redesigned approach to the athlete development program modelling for wrestling for the province of British Columbia.

Raj Virdi

Raj Virdi joins BC Wrestling as a development coach, in addition to his duties as head coach of the varsity wrestling program at the University of the Fraser Valley. Virdi lead the program as the co-head coach for 4 years before entering the 2018-19 year as the head coach.

Virdi starred and was the team captain at Simon Fraser University. During his own university wrestling career, he wrestled in both the NAIA and CIS. As a freshmen (2006), was the CIS male Rookie of The Year. Going on to win two gold medals, three All-Canadian honours, and in 2009 was named the Canada West Most Outstanding Wrestler.

Virdi made his World Team debut in 2006 when he made his first Jr. World Team. Later going on and winning 2 silvers and 1 bronze at the Sr. Nationals Championships. Virdi was also on the Senior Canadian National Team, representing Canada at multiple international competitions.  In 2009 he won silver medals at the Commonwealth/Pan Am Championships and won the Canada Cup in 2008.  In 2008 and 2010 he went on to represent Canada at the University World Championships. Raj brings an extensive network to the BCWA development program, where he will look to utilize the strengths of all participants to continue the tradition of excellence of the BCWA Development program.

Tyler McLean

Tyler came to BC after a stellar career in the state of Washington where he was a (WIAA) State Champion from Mead High School in Spokane. After graduating high school, Tyler went to North Idaho College where he became an All-American at 157 pounds and completed his AA in Education. Tyler then transferred to Simon Fraser University where he led the country in wins during his junior year and became the Clan’s second-ever NCAA All-American. During his senior year, Tyler placed 4th at the Reno Tournament of Champions and was ranked #1 in the country for ten weeks before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury.

Tyler Graduated from SFU with a Bachelors of General Studies in Education with a Minor in Curriculum and Instruction. After graduating, Tyler joined the Men’s SFU Wrestling staff as an Assistant Coach and joined BC wrestling as the BC development coach. Tyler who follows in the footsteps of his father, 4A Washington State Coach of the Year Phil McLean, is an educator with a passion for coaching and growing the sport of wrestling in British Columbia. Through his outreach efforts, he hopes to train and inspire the next generation of BC wrestling champions. 

Welcome Tyler and Raj!