Bryan Riley
Class of 1975
Bryan Riley was a gifted athlete who combined smarts, exceptional eye-hand coordination and competitive intensity in Green Wave football, basketball and golf.
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His talents were on full display for Green Wave football. He exhibited skills as quarterback, wide receiver, placekicker and especially as a ball-hawking defensive back.
During his junior season, Bryan intercepted six passes and recovered four rival fumbles, turning one deft ball theft into a 52-yard touchdown dash that clinched a Green Wave victory over Norwalk Central Catholic. He fired a 36-yard TD pass and had four catches in the season finale vs. Weston.
A broken wrist hampered his efforts during his senior campaign, but Bryan returned to action and averaged more than five yards per carry and lead an 11-8 win over Brookfield by throwing a touchdown pass and kicking the decisive field goal.
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Bryan was as versatile on the basketball court, playing excellent defense while proving to be a strong rebounder, an exceptional passer and the Green Wave’s veritable coach on the court during three varsity seasons.
He would look for an open teammate before he would shoot but scored enough to rank fourth all-time at NMHS upon his graduation. A highlight was Bryan’s 26-point performance during his junior season to lead a 62-60 win over Abbott Tech, the Green Wave’s first homecourt ‘W’ over the Wolverines in 12 years.
Bryan likely could have excelled for Green Wave baseball or tennis, but chose golf as his spring sport and quickly rewarded the team with a brilliant run of success. As a sophomore, Bryan posted a 14-0 individual match record to help NMHS to a Western Connecticut Conference title.
His game fortified by long drives and an exceptional short game, Bryan went on a multi-season run of wins at one point extending to 30 matches while playing anywhere from fourth man to the top spot in the lineup.
He teamed with Richard Baker to fire a better-ball 69 and tie for first place in the prestigious Chappa Memorial tournament in Westport.
After making his mark as a superb Green Wave athlete, Bryan played basketball for three seasons at Springfield College.
