Beloved Palmetto High athletic director Bryan Wilkes, 63, passes

There was a common theme regarding the sentiments on social media on the passing of Palmetto High Athletic Director Bryan Wilkes.

“This one hurt.”

William Bryan “Twinkie” Wilkes, a beloved figure in Palmetto, Bradenton and throughout the wrestling scene died Tuesday, Aug. 11. 

He was 63.

“Bryan dedicated his life to serving students and supporting athletics in Manatee County,” said Palmetto High School Principal Monica DeLesline wrote in a statement. “Whether as a coach, athletic director, veteran, or mentor, he made a lasting difference in the lives of so many. His legacy will live on through the students, athletes, coaches, and colleagues he inspired. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and all who loved him.”

A graduate of Southeast High School in 1980, Wilkes joined the United States Marine Corps in 1982 and served until 1986. He was an aircraft ordinance tech and saw combat in Grenada as a helicopter crew chief.

He returned to Florida and landed a job at his alma mater, coaching wrestling and football for the Southeast Seminoles. 

During that time Wilkes earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida.

At Southeast High, Wilkes assisted wrestling coach Bob Thomas, his best friend, was an assistant coach on Coach Paul Maechtle’s staff and was the freshman football coach.

Wrestling was Wilkes’ true love.

When Palmetto High was planning to start a wrestling program in 2005, then director of athletics Dustin Dahlquist hired Wilkes, a former member of the  U.S. Marine Corps All-Marine Wrestling Team.

Wilkes said one of his biggest thrills was being greeted by 40 potential wrestlers in the Tigers’ wrestling room on his first day.

“That was the first thrill of many,” Wilkes said at the time.

During a 15-year period, the upstart Palmetto program won the Manatee County championship five times. 

Wilkes returned to college to receive his Master’s degree at National Louis University to get into administration. In 2020, he was named director of athletics at Palmetto High by Principal Carl Auckerman. Wilkes replaced Kenny Ansbro, another one of his close friends.

“Since I stepped on campus 16 years ago, I fell in love with Palmetto,” Wilkes said at the time. “I want to be a part of Palmetto for the rest of my career.”

In 2022, Wilkes was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, Florida Chapter with a “Lifetime Service to Wrestling” award.

His love for Palmetto only was shadowed by his love for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as Wilkes was known as “Buccaneer” Bryan. 

Wilkes is survived by his daughter, Logan (Danny) Wilkins, and his grandchildren, Killian and Callie.

Bryan leaves behind his brothers, Darren and Dana, Uncle Joey (Cameron) Logan, Cousin Kyra (Kayus) Harwick, and his partner, Jenny “Facebook” Alexander.

In lieu of flowers,  contributions in Bryan's memory can be made to Palmetto High School Athletics, and Tidwell Hospice. A private military service to honor Bryan’s life will be held at Bushnell National Cemetery.

Among the many tributes made on social media on the passing of Wilkes, the United States Marine Corp honored him by posting Wilkes' obituary.

The Palmetto High baseball team also paid tribute to their athletic director on Instagram:

Mr. Palmetto, Mr. Wrestler, Mr. Wilkes,

Mr. Bryan Wilkes was so much more than a coach, an athletic director, a wrestler, or a motivator. He was Mr. Palmetto.

Yes, he may have favored one sport over another, but the truth is, Mr. Wilkes had a love for them all.

Over the last few years, Mr. Wilkes was there for every one of our Palmetto Baseball district wins. He would stand quietly, stay to himself, and watch the game unfold. But when that final moment came – and let’s be honest, our last few district championships came down to the wire – that quiet, short man in the shadows would suddenly explode like a firecracker!

He was behind our boys. He was rooting them on. And when that district trophy was finally placed in their hands, he celebrated right alongside them.

Mr. Wilkes was a pillar not only to Palmetto, but to athletics throughout Manatee County. His work ethic, the stories of running a few miles at 5 o’clock in the morning, and his constant push for everyone around him to be exceptional left an imprint that will never fade.

He pushed Palmetto athletics to be better. To work harder. To believe in themselves. And to never settle for anything less.

Thank you, Mr. Wilkes, for everything you gave to Palmetto and to so many young athletes.

Your footprint is permanent. Your impact is immeasurable. And your presence will forever be missed.

Our deepest condolences go out to the Wilkes family and to everyone whose life he touched.

Rest easy, Mr. Palmetto. You will never be forgotten.

Wilkes' alma mater, Southeast High, released a statement on his passing:

It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of Bryan Wilkes, a distinguished alumnus, respected coach, veteran, and lifelong leader in Manatee County athletics.

Following his graduation, Bryan proudly served our country in the United States Marine Corps. Upon returning home, he dedicated his life to shaping young people through athletics and education. He founded the wrestling program at Palmetto High School and later served as the Tigers' Athletic Director, leaving an indelible mark on the school and community he loved.

Bryan was more than a coach and administrator. He was a friend to many, a mentor to countless students and colleagues, and an unwavering advocate for Palmetto High School. His passion, leadership, and commitment to others earned him the affectionate title of “Mr. Palmetto.”

While his passing leaves a tremendous void, his legacy will live on through the generations of students, athletes, coaches, and community members whose lives he touched.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Bryan's family, friends, former athletes, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His spirit, dedication, and love for Palmetto can never be replaced.

Rest in peace, Coach Wilkes. Semper Fidelis.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Beloved Palmetto High athletic director Bryan Wilkes, 63, passes