University of South Alabama Athletics

Klear posted a 56-16 singles record — primarily at the No. 1 position — and was one of the first individuals in the athletic department’s history to receive Frederick P. Whiddon Award given to the best student-athlete at the university.  A team captain each of his last two years, he was presented the Whiddon Award in 1969 before coming back the next spring to help the Jaguars finish 21-2 in dual matches — including wins over Alabama, Auburn, Southern Mississippi and Tulane — en route to a berth in the NCAA Championship.  Klear accounted for two of four team points at the national championship with a second-round singles victory as USA finished in a tie for a 20th place, concluding the season with a 16-2 mark in singles action.  During his career, he helped the Jags post a 38-20 team record.