Seven more to be inducted into San Mateo High HOF

Members of the San Mateo High School Hall of Fame Committee, those close to the school and reporters were in attendance in the lobby of the school's gymnasium along with O'Keefe, Della Libera, Donna Archer, the wife of the late George Archer, and Sydney Garrett, a member of the basketball team, were present to answer questions.

The most prominent name is Archer, who died last September at the age of 65. One of the greatest golfers ever to come out of San Mateo County, Archer won 12 professional tournaments, including the 1969 Masters. He had three other top 10 finishes in the majors despite being hampered by injuries throughout his career. After a successful PGA Tour career, Archer won 19 more times on the senior circuit. Donna Archer said her husband's favorite memory was his first win on tour, the Lucky International at San Francisco's Harding Park in '65.

"The family was all there, which made it special, and that was the tournament he talked the most about," she said. "I know this (being inducted) would mean a lot to him and a special moment. Before George passed away, he told me he wanted to give me golf lessons, so that when he passed away, we would have some connection."

O'Keefe was a standout tennis player, winning two Central Coast Section singles championships. Back then, the public schools in San Mateo County had some of the best tennis talent in the Bay Area. O'Keefe earned a full-ride scholarship to University of the Pacific, earning Big West All-Conference honors, as well as the 1992 NCAA Athletic Woman of the Year award. O'Keefe still plays competitively, and looked back on her years at San Mateo with fondness.

"When I was at San Mateo my freshman year, I was just starting out in the sport (from a competitive standpoint)," she said. "The time at San Mateo gave me the confidence to win (USTA) NorCal matches, and I felt I could compete with anyone. I look back at my time at San Mateo as great memories, because I was a part of something special, and I'm so appreciative to be in the Hall of Fame."

Della Libera was a two-sport star in football and track and field. As a senior, he won the Northern California championship in the shot put, then placed fifth in the state meet in the shot put and discus. He earned a football scholarship to Arizona State, where, as a junior, he led the Sun Devils to an undefeated season and No. 11 national ranking. Della Libera then served in Vietnam before becoming the base operations officer at Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany and a squadron commander at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Power of Europe in Belgium. He retired as a lieutenant colonel.

In his opening comments, Della Libera pointed to O'Keefe and said, "I don't think my memory is as current as this young lady." Della Libera, who didn't play football as a freshman in high school because his parents thought the sport was too rough, went on to talk about his possible venture into the NFL.

"I had a letter from the Green Bay Packers to come and try out, but Uncle Sam said we need you first," he said. "I attribute a lot of my success to my time at San Mateo. It prepared me for my future, and I can't thank the school more."

That was the sentiment with everyone involved in the 2006 Hall of Fame class.

Emanuel Lee can be reached by e-mail: emanuel@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 109. <