On Monday, Sept. 29, the Archie Williams Athletic Hall of Fame Committee hosted the first annual Hall of Fame Banquet at the Deer Park Villa in Fairfax. Approximately 250 students, staff, alumni, and other community members gathered to honor the achievements of 22 former Sir Francis Drake High School athletes and coaches. Attendees enjoyed drinks, dinner, and a ceremony, during which the Committee awarded each inductee a plaque in recognition of their contributions to the Drake and Archie Williams athletics community.
To garner attention, the Athletic Hall of Fame Committee advertised the event through social media, the Archie Williams website, and on posters throughout the local community. The committee is composed of current Archie Williams staff and alumni. Jack Hayes, one of the event organizers and a former principal of Drake in the 1980s, recognized how this was a landmark event for the community.
“Nothing like this has occurred since 1952, since the school started,” Hayes said.
Despite the drizzly weather, the atmosphere was lively as guests mingled under the cover of the redwoods at the venue. The event began at 5 p.m. with drinks available for purchase, and then transitioned into a buffet-style dinner. Steve Harnsberger, a Drake alumnus and event attendee, believes the night showcased the vibrant community.
“We really were lucky to grow up in this incredible place and have this wonderful thing to do…There was a richness to [the community, and] that is what you’re seeing here [tonight],” Harnsberger said.
The ceremony began with the presentation of the “Special Merit” award honoring Archie Williams, the school’s new namesake, after the change from Sir Francis Drake in 2021. This was followed by the induction of three coaches and 18 athletes into the Hall of Fame, many of whom were multi-sport athletes during their time at Drake.
The awards commemorated each of the inductees’ impressive records and achievements, both within and beyond the Drake athletic community. Each athlete was given a brief introduction and received a plaque in their honor. Some inductees received posthumous awards that living relatives accepted on their behalf.
Among the recipients was Suzanne Enos O’Meara, one of two female inductees, who also helped organize the event. A member of the graduating class of 1976, she was an All-League and MVP player in basketball and volleyball, and became the first woman granted an athletic scholarship to the University of San Francisco.
“[Being] able to get an event like this together [and] to recognize all these amazing athletes was really meaningful, and tonight has been such a party, such a great feel of community,” Enos O’Meara said.
Chad Stuart, another event organizer, Drake alumnus, and current principal of Del Mar Middle School, wishes the event succeeds in uniting the Drake and Archie Williams athletics community.
“I kind of see that, especially older alumni, are not always supportive of the change of the school’s name. [I hope] that they can see this [hall of fame] as a bridge between the two names together and a recognition that we’re [the same school] and the history of the school still exists,” Stuart said.
Jacob Gran, the current principal of Archie Williams, and an event attendee, highlights the significance of the event.
“It’s great to recognize people in the community for their past achievements, and to see a great group try and put on an event to document history,” Gran said.
The Hall of Fame displays their plaques in the foyer of the Archie Williams Carl “Red” Brown Gym for the community to enjoy. The Hall of Fame committee aims to continue hosting the Hall of Fame Banquet annually, honoring the athletic achievements of its alumni.
