Plymouth State University

VERNE BRYANT ('55): A former four-year letterman in basketball and baseball at Plymouth Teachers College under legendary coach John Foley, Verne Bryant was a standout scorer for the Panther hoop team. He had a breakout season as a sophomore when he led the team in scoring with more than 20 points per game. He also averaged 15.7 points per game his junior year, and helped the team to four straight winning seasons and a combined record of 41-28.

A native of Belmont, N.H., Bryant finished his career with 982 points in an era with no shot clock and no three-point baskets. His total was more than any previous player in what was then the eight-year history of the Panther men’s basketball program. At the time of his induction some 60 years later, Bryant still ranked 27th on PSU’s career scoring list.

Bryant also played on Panther baseball team under Coach Foley, where he helped the team to several Pemi-League tournament berths. He was a member of teams that won back-to-back New England Teachers College titles in 1952 and ’53, with a combined team record of 16-3. Bryant posted a 3-0 record as a pitcher in 1953 before starting every game as a catcher as a junior in ’54.