Tennis (1969-70)

David Bryant was one of the great players in the tennis dynasty built by the legendary coach, Clarence Dyer. Bryant was a two-time All-American while playing on great Savage 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.

At the age of 40, he became one of the most outstanding tennis players in the nation. Between 1976 and 1997, he won 23 national championships. In the 45 and over division, he was the top ranked 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.

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 Edmond’s Quail Creek Country Club continued his outstanding career when he and his wife, Janet, won the 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. The University was honored to name David Bryant to the Southeastern Athletic Hall of Fame on February 7, 1998.