A three-sport star at Muskegon Heights High School, “The Wizard of Oss” took his athletic skills to Arizona State University before returning home to serve more than 30 years in the Muskegon Heights school system. Along the way, McCarty became the first individual in state history to lead his high school team to state basketball titles as both a player and coach. McCarty played guard on Muskegon Heights’ legendary 1956 and 1957 Class A state championship teams, then returned to coach the Tigers to the Class B title in 1974.

Brought up as a sophomore for the 1956 tournament run, McCarty earned a starting spot in the 20-1 Tigers’ lineup for their 63-53 victory over Hamtramck in the title game. McCarty began the next season as a starter. The Tigers went 20-0, beating archrival Benton Harbor three times, including 74-52 in the state semifinals, en route to a 61-49 victory over Detroit Austin and future Hall of Famer Dave DeBusschere in the title game. Although basketball was his sport of choice, McCarty attended Arizona State University on a football scholarship. Still, many believe that baseball was his best sport. Recruited by ASU Assistant Chuck Fairbanks and playing for head coach Frank Kush, McCarty earned three varsity letters for the Sun Devils in the days before platoon football. McCarty saw time in the backfield, returned punts and kickoffs, and played in the defensive backfield during his days at ASU. But it was what McCarty did after his college career was over that set him apart, working more than 30 years as a teacher, mentor, coach and administrator at Muskegon Heights. He was named Heights varsity basketball coach and AD in 1971. He compiled a 100-33 record in five seasons. McCarty’s 1972 team reached the Class B title game before losing to River Rouge, 65-64, after leading by seven with under a minute to play.

McCarty lived in Muskegon with his wife, Carol. They have three children.