Football (1986-89)
Elmar Perry, a native of Denison, Texas, was one of the best defensive ends to ever wear a Savage football uniform.
Perry, who became the second four-time all-conference player at Southeastern, was born on May 24, 1967 in Honolulu, Hawaii. He played football at Denison High School, where he helped lead the Yellowjackets to a 1985 state title. Elmar, who earned all-state honors as a senior, was a two-way player in high school, lining up at both tight end and in the defensive line.
Elmar was recruited as a tight end by Kansas State, but chose to play defense for Southeastern instead. He played under head coaches Jon Lantz and Morris Sloan and started for four straight seasons from 1986-1989. He helped lead the Savages to a pair of Oklahoma Intercollegiate Conference titles, a trip to the NAIA Division I playoffs in 1988, and an invitation to the Aztec Bowl in Mexico City, Mexico, in 1989.
Elmar’s performance as a junior and senior helped the Savages land in the top five in the nation defensively in 1988 and 1989. The 1988 Savages are considered one of the best teams in Southeastern’s football history. The season included a 10 game winning streak and an upset of them No.1 Central Arkansas, 21-14 in overtime at Paul Laird Field. Perry also led the Savages to a 22-10 win in the 1989 Aztec Bowl.
Perry, who was named to the Daily Oklahoman’s All-Century College Football Team, ranks second on the Savages all-time tackles list with 257. He holds the school record for tackles for a loss with 71 for a loss of 243 yards. He is also the single-season tackle leader with 96 in 1988 and is tied with former teammate David Hall for the single-season sacks mark at 12. He is second on the career quarterback sacks list with 33. He also had 23 career pass breakups and 10 fumble recoveries.
Elmar’s efforts earned the lineman All-Oklahoma Intercollegiate Conference honors in 1986, 1987, 1988, and 1989. He was a three time NAIA All-District 9 selection and was twice named an NAIA All-American (1988 and 1989). In 1988, he was named NAIA District 9 Defensive Player of the Year. His teammates named him a team captain in 1989, as well as the 1989 Savage Co-Most Valuable Player.
Elmar Perry’s dedication and overall performance will forever live in the lore of Southeastern football. His efforts brought esteemed recognition to Southeastern, and the University honored him with membership into the Southeastern Athletic Hall of Fame on January 15, 2000.
