Editor’s note: The induction of the first group in the Bryant Athletic Hall of Honor will be held this Saturday, May 30, at Bryant High School. An reception will be held at 6:30 p.m., with the induction ceremonies commencing at 7.
The following is the nominating article produced for the Hall of Honor Board of Directors to help make the case for inductee, Ed Love to be considered for the pre-1975 honorees.
“No single individual has had more influence or been more instrumental in building Bryant athletics than Ed Love.
“He began his career at Bryant as a teacher in 1954. Certified in Social Studies, he taught Math, English, Science and coached doing whatever it took to make Bryant a great school.
“In fact, doing whatever it takes is a theme for Mr. Love’s work at Bryant. After 25 years as a teacher, he became superintendent in 1979.
“In his 21 years as superintendent, he was known for driving a bus, mowing the football field, even doing the dirt work to turn a soybean field into a practice field.
“With limited funds and facilities, Mr. Love grew Bryant athletics from two sports in 1979 to 13 when he retired in 1990.
“Mr. Love refuses to take credit for the success of programs at Bryant. Instead, giving the credit to coaches like football coach Bob Goodlow and basketball coach Joe Treat. The truth is all that Bryant athletics currently enjoys, Ed Love had a hand in building. He bought the land our football facilities sit on. He hired the athletic directors and coaches who were foundational in our development.
“But most of all, Ed Love set a standard of hard work, class, and integrity that still drives us today.”
