Poly's Hall of Fame silent auction nears
From staff reports
Posted: 07/11/2009
The Long Beach Poly Football Booster Club will hold its second annual Hall of Fame Dinner and Silent Auction on Saturday, July 12 at The Grand, 401 E. Willow in Long Beach.

This year's class of inductees includes Richard Bryson, Sam Cathcart, Royal Cathcart, David Howard, Jerry Jaso, Chris Lewis, Willie McGinest, Chuckie Miller, Marvin Motley, Al Nichols, Dennis Price and Leonard Russell.

They will join the inaugural class that includes Earl McCullouch, Sam Dimas, Willie Brown, Gene Washington, Dee Andrews, Bill Jessup, Don Norford, Tony Hill, Mark Carrier, Marquez Pope and Brian Tuliau.

In many ways, Richard Bryson is considered a renaissance man. He is a husband, father, grandfather, businessman, philanthropist, booster, and local sports hero.  Born on May 31, 1944, Bryson embodies the type of success that is synonymous with Long Beach Poly.  He is well celebrated throughout the Long Beach community and there is no mistaking his knack for aligning himself with successful ventures.  

As a Jackrabbit athlete, Bryson wore many hats.  While at Poly, he played on the varsity football and baseball teams.  As a wide-receiver and defensive-back on the Jackrabbit football team, Bryson accomplished a feat so rare that it continues to amaze football fans today.  His Poly football stats boost a remarkable 17 career receptions, all for touchdowns.  He received All-League and All-City recognition for CIF football and baseball, and was voted Most Popular Moore League Football Player.  
While attending CSULB on a full scholarship, Bryson continued to etch his legacy of greatness in football in baseball.  His outstanding athletic performance as a CSULB 49er lead to All League and All American recognition in Football.  After receiving his Bachelor and Masters Degrees from CSULB, he was inducted to the CSULB Hall of Fame for both football and baseball. His role as a local philanthropist is as impressive as his athletic accomplishments. 

He serves as president and board member for The Boys and Girls Club, CSULB, National Association of Life Insurance Agents, Pacific Hospital Trustees, and LB Memorial Hospital Board.  He received distinctive Business Degree Scholarships from the University of Notre Dame and the University of Michigan. He has been awarded Man of the Year by the Junior Chamber of Commerce, The Golden Bay Award by the Boys and Girls Club, and various industry awards.  

Richard Bryson currently resides in Long Beach, CA with his wife Bree.  He has four children and six grandchildren.  He is the president of Bryson Financial Group in Long Beach, CA.  For his ability to transcend expectations and achieve greatness in all aspects of his life, it is our distinct honor to induct Richard Bryson into LB Poly Football Hall of Fame.