Bryson is a 1984 graduate of Missouri Southern where he played both soccer and baseball for the Lions. During his two sport career at Southern Bryson earned four letters in soccer and two in baseball. In 1980 Bryson earned Rookie of the Year honors in the Central States Intercollegiate Conference (CSIC) before sitting out the 1981 season due to a broken foot. In 1982 his teammates elected him as a captain, while he earned Goal of the Year and Offensive MVP honors.

His junior season he was again elected captain and earned Offensive MVP, All-District, and All-Midwest honors as he led the Lions to a 12-6-1 record and a 5-3-0 record in district play. During his senior campaign Bryson earned NSCAA All-American honors was well as being named co-captain, earning his third Offensive MVP honor and his second All-District and All-Midwest honors. During his time in the Green & Gold, Bryson set the school's all-time scoring record with 59 goals.

In high school at Sedalia Smith-Cotton, Bryson was a three sport standout where he lettered in soccer, baseball, and basketball. He set the state record his senior year for goals scored in a season at 42, it has since been broken and currently sits at 72.

Bryson was a native of Sedalia, Missouri and graduated from MSSU with a bachelor's degree in Marketing. He had two sons Evan and Tyler before passing away in 2008 following a battle with cancer. Bryson was also inducted into the Sedalia Smith-Cotton HS Hall of Fame in February of 2015.