I have known Danny Murphy since 1991, when I was a Freshman at Clark High School. He was the Head Basketball Coach, and I was the student manager from 1991 through 1995. I still keep in touch with him, and am still not sure on how to address him: Coach Murphy or Danny!
When I was writing my e-book, The Statman Speaks, I asked Coach Murphy to write a little blurb about me so I can include it either as an introduction or in part of a section.
This is what he wrote:
It’s those individuals that work behind the scenes quietly and unselfishly that deserve much of the credit for a team’s or individual’s success. They stay in the background never seeking the limelight and accolades. Such is Mark Lieberman. He was the Boys Varsity Basketball Team Manager at Tom C. Clark High School from 1991-1995 filming the varsity basketball games as well as being our team statistician. Mark also handled the scoreboard for our Junior Varsity and Freshman games. He worked tirelessly and always welcomed additional duties without complaint. His accepting happy grin while taking good natured needling from coaches and team members brings a smile to my face to this day. Thanks Mark Lieberman for your efforts, friendship and your willingness to always help. Wishing you continued success.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in New Albany, Indiana in 1957. It was big time basketball country and my family moved to San Antonio in 1970.
What brought you to San Antonio?
Trinity University in San Antonio was recruiting my older brother Bobby for their basketball team and offered him a scholarship. Trinity was Division 1 at the time. My father, Pete, was the Head Basketball Coach & Athletic Director at Providence High School in Clarksville, Indiana at that time. He started there in 1955.
Trinity University just happened to have an Assistant Basketball Coach position open at that same time. Jimmy Littleton was the Head Coach at Trinity University, and hired my Dad. Our entire family moved to San Antonio in 1970.
My Dad played basketball at Trinity University as did my brother Bobby, me (1975-1979) and my younger brother Mark.
My Dad eventually became the Head Basketball Coach and Athletic Director at Trinity University from 1973- 1986. He died from cancer in 1986 at age of 60.
My older brother Bobby was the Head Basketball Coach at John Marshall High School and then Head Basketball Coach at Churchill High School for 16 years; both in San Antonio.
My younger brother Mark was the Head Basketball Coach at MacArthur High School in San Antonio for 15 years.
How did you get to be the Head Basketball Coach at Clark High School in San Antonio?
I had been the Assistant Basketball Coach at Churchill High School from 1980-1982. During my brother Bobby and I single season coaching together, we won the State 5A (which at that time was the biggest classification) Basketball championship Title in 1982.
After that season, I was contacted by Dickinson High School and offered the Head Basketball Coach position. You may have heard of Andre Ware (1989 Heisman Trophy Winner). He was the QB at University of Houston. He played basketball for me for 2 seasons at Dickinson.
In 1984, I interviewed for the Head Basketball Coach at Clark High School and was hired.
Any memorable players and games?
Yes, too many players to name just a few.
The Churchill State Championship game in 1982 vs. Galveston Ball High School in the Drum in Austin. We won 75-74.
At Clark, the 1986-87 Regional Semi-Final and Finals and the 1991-92 Regional Semi-Final and Finals. Also, several games from the 1987-88 season.
Do you keep in touch with any of the former players?
Yes, I stay in touch with many of my former players and several have gone on to be successful coaches.
How did you get started as a realtor?
I got out of coaching in 1996. My bother in law, Michael Holub, had a high end custom home building company. I went to work for him in 1996 for several years and am now a Realtor with Home Team of America.
What does Danny do for fun?
Spending time with family. I love to travel with my wife Sheryl (married 42 years) especially to beach destinations. We now have 4 grandkids; 2 in San Antonio and 2 in Nashville, Tennessee. Also, I enjoy spending time poolside and grilling out with the family.