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Joe Bryant ’78

Joe is a 1973 graduate of Tompkinsville High School where he played and lettered in football, basketball, tennis and track for the Bears.

At the University of Kentucky, Brother Bryant was dubbed, “The Tompkinsville Toe” by storied announcer Caywood Ledford for his place kicking abilities. He played on the 1976 Peach Bowl team which defeated North Carolina 21-0, and was the team’s 2nd leading scoring on the 1977 Wildcat team that went 10-1 and finished the year ranked 7th in the AP poll. That team had the best SEC record in UK history and tied the 1950 team for best record all time. As a senior he won the Sam Huey Scholastic Award for highest academic standing.

Bryant was named the Tompkinsville Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year in 1977, and was also named to the Kappa Sigma All American Football Team that same year.

Upon graduation Joe tried out for the Chicago Bears. He then went into the investment business and is currently Senior Vice President of Hilliard Lyons. He now lives in Lexington with his wife, Robin.

Joe is actively involved with fund raising for the Kentucky Easter Seal Society; and along with his employer, Hilliard Lyons, sponsors the annual Cardinal Hill Bash.

Brother Bryant credits his mother, Wilodene Bryant Hollinsworth, for his successes and his father, James B. Bryant, for his work ethic. His proudest accomplishments are his daughters, Jodi Norris (Chris) and Jamie Bryant. Joe is blessed with two grandchildren, Patrick and Caroline Norris.