Avery Bryant dies at 90; Hall of Famer coached, set steeple records

Avery stayed young.

Avery Bryant was a Southern California Striders teammate of mine. I remember him as a stooped but ever-smiling gent who seemed to be friends with everyone. In any race, you could hear cheers for him around the track. His racing days ended years ago, but his memory will live among his buddies. Avery died Dec. 18 at Torrance Memorial Hospital, according to death notices published only this week. He was 90 and a 2006 inductee of the USATF Masters Hall of Fame. A middle-distancer who raced in masters meets as early as 1971, he specialized in the steeple and set several records, including an M75 2K AR of 10:40.02, since surpassed. But the record books still bear his name — as a member of an M70 WR 4×800 relay team. He, Jim Selby and two others ran 11:09.87 at 1998 Orono nationals. He appears many times in mastershistory.org. But his guestbook on Legacy.com shows dozens of former athletes hailing their old coach. Services are Friday, according to friends who have written me.

Here’s the posted obituary for Avery:

Avery Allen Bryant. 90 years old; born May 25, 1924; raised in Muncie,Indiana; passing at Torrance Memorial Hospital on December 18, 2014. Served our US Military from 1942-1945 Remained in the Reserves.

Avery moved to Torrance, Ca 1954 with loved wife, Christine “Martin” Bryant; daughter, Ana Jean Bryant, final residence Rancho Palos Verdes, Ca in 1968. Soon followed loved grandchildren: granddaughters, Liza Bryant, Veronica Toro; grandson, Edward Paul Bryant.

Avery was an accomplished scholar with his Masters Degree from Long Beach University, and many athletic accomplishments including; Muncie, Indiana Delaware Hall Of Fame Track and Field 2008, Master Hall Of Fame Track and Field 2006. Avery held ground in many sports clubs and track and field records. If you knew Avery his drive and heart for teaching, coaching and mastering every sport propelled him to the long age of 90 years . Its amazing how you can fully love what you do till the end. Being known as coach Bryant all around the South Bay he taught and coached 28 years for Hermosa School District, As well as 2 years with the Torrance School District, coached with Palos Verdes School District.

Surviving siblings: Clarence Atkinson and Betty. Deceased siblings: Lorene Mapel, Woodland, Ca; Jean Monroe, Muncie, Indiana; Marvin M. Bryant, Muncie, Indiana; James Koontz, Tampa, Florida; with many loved nieces and nephews and great two granddaughters.

Services will be held at 1:00 pm Green Hills Mortuary, 27501 South Western Ave. Rancho Palos Verdes CA, 90275, (310) 831-0311. Bereavement gathering will be held at Admiral Risty Restaurant after Memorial Services, 2:15 pm -3:30 pm, 31250 Palos Verdes Drive West Rancho Palos Verdes, Ca 90275, (310) 377-0050. Please sign the guest book at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.

Please join us in the memory of Avery Allen Bryant – See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dailybreeze/obituary.aspx?pid=173759247#sthash.qA3doG5m.dpuf

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January 8, 2015

4 Responses

  1. Doug Smith - January 8, 2015

    I first met Avery in 1979, and he was such an inspiration and personable gentleman. Always had a smile and kind word. Plus, he was such a competitor. He will be missed. Condolences to his family. R.I.P., Avery!

  2. Mark Cleary - January 9, 2015

    Avery was the first person I met almost 28 years ago when I was getting ready to turn 30 and get started as a sub-master in USA Track & Field. He was my inspiration. He would ask me how many events I was going to do each track meet, when I would see him. He would usually do 4 to 5 events and most always the steeplechase was one of them. Although he was originally at Strider he finished his last several Track years as a wonderful team member of the SoCal Track Club. He was a dear friend and a gentleman in the true sense of the word. He was loved by all who knew him. He was a gentle sole with a great competitive spirit. I regret not getting together with him for the last couple of years. Avery had a profound influence on me and I will be forever thankful that I had the privilege of knowing him well. He was a true blessing in my life.I loved the man and will miss him tremendously. Peace my friend.

  3. Nolan Shaheed - January 9, 2015

    I met Avery when I first started running Masters track and he has been a friend ever since. I remember rarely running in a meet in the 80’s and 90’s without Avery being there. I used to think he was so old because back then there just wasn’t that many men his age running and jumping. Now I’m older than he was back then. He had a great impact on my running and I hope that I can influence the younger runners as he influenced me.

  4. ana jean bryant - January 26, 2015

    Just want to say thank you for all the kind words about my dad. I was very blessed to have him for my father. Very few men like him.

    THANK YOU ALL.
    Bryants

    Ps. Mark Cleary I found one pic with you and dad, not the one you wanted still looking. Aj Bryant

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