HOUSTON – James and Ann Bryant have established an endowment to fund the salary of the Head Men's Basketball Coach position at HBU, Director of Athletics
Steve Moniaci announced Tuesday.
In honor of the generous gift, the position will be recognized as the "James Sears Bryant Head Men's Basketball Coach" at HBU, which is held by
Ron Cottrell.
"We are unbelievably excited for and grateful to the Bryants for this gift," Moniaci said. "The work that James did for us to allow us to re-enter the NCAA was transformational in itself, and now for them to come back and honor our athletic program with this gift is a true blessing."
"All of us at Houston Baptist University are indebted to James and Ann Bryant for this generous gift in support of HBU Athletics," President Robert Sloan said. "It will make a huge difference to our programs, coaches and student-athletes. In addition to their generosity, we will be forever indebted to James for his advocacy on our behalf. We simply would not be in the NCAA Division I were it not for his support, encouragement, and wise counsel all along the way. We are truly grateful and thankful for this opportunity to knowledge publicly his outstanding service to HBU."
James Bryant was instrumental in the Huskies' transition from the NAIA back to NCAA Division I competition as the lead attorney in HBU's litigation to reduce the number of years the school would have to wait to re-enter into full NCAA membership. Due to its previous membership in the NCAA, HBU had to transition for only four years, instead of the NCAA's then-mandated seven-year period.
In addition to representing HBU in its litigation against the NCAA, Bryant has successfully represented universities and student-athletes in NCAA investigations, has represented professional athletes in contract discussions, handled the purchase of an NBA franchise in the upper midwest and was involved in litigation against the NBA during two lockouts. He earned his law degree from Southern Methodist University School of Law and his bachelor's degree from Phillips University. He also holds a doctorate degree in education from the University of Pennsylvania and two master's degrees from Dartmouth College and Brandeis University.
Cottrell recently completed his 28
th season at HBU and his the fifth-longest tenured head coach in NCAA Division I basketball. He has compiled a 487-407 record, is the all-time winningest basketball coach in school history and served as Director of Athletics when HBU began the transition process.
"James Bryant's incredible contribution is very exciting for HBU and our men's basketball program," Cottrell said. "We got to know James through his distinguished work with us during the university's transition back to NCAA membership.
"James became an ardent supporter of our university and program and a true friend. His generosity shows his tremendous commitment to our university's mission and I am humbled to be the first to hold the position of 'James Sears Bryant Head Men's Basketball Coach.' We will work hard each day to honor the Bryant's confidence in us, as we continue to conduct our program with integrity in a Christ-like manner."
The gift is in commemoration of the transition of Houston Baptist University back into the NCAA Division I from the NAIA as the first such institution to do so without waiting the full probationary period. This was made possible by the courageous leadership of President Robert Sloan, the design of then Associate Athletic Director, and now Athletic Director Steven C. Moniaci, the tireless work of Coach
Ron Cottrell, as he led his team on a season-opening 22-game road trip against Division I powerhouses, and the attorneys handling the transition, Tom Thomas and James Sears Bryant. Furthermore, Bryant wishes to recognize the integrity in the way Division I athletics are handled at HBU, and its continued focus upon academics and true amateurism.
