DAVID BRYANT

CLASS OF 2000
 

David Bryant was one of the great Southeastern State University players in the tennis dynasty built by the legendary coach, Clarence Dyer.  Bryant was a two-time All-American while playing on one of the many fine Southeastern teams and later gained national acclaim in men’s professional play.

Born in McAlester, Oklahoma, David was an outstanding athlete at McAlester High School.  He played basketball and tennis at Oklahoma Baptist University before enrolling at Southeastern to play for Coach Dyer.

During the 1969 and 1970 seasons, he won two Oklahoma Collegiate Conference doubles championships and was twice named to the NAIA All-American team.  The Savages were national runners-up both years and Bryant reached the NAIA singles finals in his senior year.

Between 1976 and 1997, he won 32 USTA National Championships (Gold Balls).  In the 45 and over division, he was the top ranked national player in 1992, 1993, and 1994.  During the following three years, he continued to be the nation’s top ranked player in the 50 and over division.

One of his greatest achievements came as a senior player in 1995 when he was selected by the USTA to represent the United States in the Gordon Cup in Toronto, Canada, and again when he competed for the Avory Cup in Wimbledon, England, in 1997.

The long time teaching pro at Quail Creek Country Club in Oklahoma City continued his outstanding career when he and his wife, Janet, won the USTA National Senior Mixed Doubles Championship in 1997.

David Bryant was a major player in Southeastern’s great tennis dynasty.  His achievements, both in college and as a senior player, have brought great honor to the university.  Southeastern State University was honored to name David Bryant to the Southeastern Athletic Hall of Fame on February 7, 1998.  He has also been inducted into the McAlester Athletic Hall of Fame, The Texas Panhandle Athletic Hall of Fame, and the Missouri Valley Tennis Association Hall of Fame.