San Mateo High School staff invited a group of Alumni of San Mateo High School to meet at San Mateo and share our stories to the students.
This picture (with this Post) was taken about five years ago.
It seemed like yesterday, when I sat in this same classroom or one similar for four years during my high school years at San Mateo High School.
We met at the Alumni Hall of Fame area.
I had no idea such a place existed.
It was great to read and call out some of the names of the people I knew personally or had heard of.
The name Darryl Usher, one of my classmate and one of my best friends stood out proudly to me. We use to guard each other in playground football and basketball. He didn’t play baseball. He ran track and hit the weight room. When we graduated, I went to Atlanta and Darryl went to Illinois.
These things I thought about as I looked at the plaque on the wall…our memories and where he might be today.
It was like overnight. I could not guard Darryl no more.
As I said above, the weight room…track.
He was stronger and faster and more determined to play football.
I’m reflecting around Sophomore year in high school.
Darryl was also 5 8′ 5 ‘9 at the most. He was considered small. But he was quick.
Being in Atlanta, Ga, I would hear through the grapevine the latest happenings with Darryl or even catch a game where the The Illini of Illinois would be playing football. I recall a kick -off or punt return with Darryl receiving it and/or playing running back.
When he turned pro, I wasn’t surprised.
I remember the middle school days all the way forward of his journey…his dedication and his discipline to become a professional athlete.
From Darryl plaque I glance over and see Tony Gladney’s name on a plaque and like Darryl, I remember Tony, being right next to Darryl, working out in the weight room and became a star receiver for UNLV during the Randall Cunningham day’s.
Tony also went pro.
Paul Pickett…Tua…Mike Williams…Buzz…Julie Middleton…was before her time. Matt Guisto.
I recall wandering around the Hall of Fame and reading these names and others with as dark cloud over my head. I am still thinking about Darryl. What would he had become?
On February the 24th, 1990, Darryl was shot and killed at the age of 25. I recall watching T.V. in Atlanta, Ga and being in shock by seeing a news broadcast of Darryl’s death.
As I read the others with pride, a sadness of Darryl continued to linger.
the point I want to make, is how great it was for me to see my old high school dedicate some space to its past students.
It’s been around 40 years since we graduated and the last time I spoke to Darryl.
I figured, we figured, we would finish college and reset, looking forward.
May you rest in peace.
You and JG and Piff.
Hotep!
DR
