As a senior guard, Darryl Gabriel led Punahou to a state championship in basketball. Playing behind him was the man who would lead the country, Barack Obama ’79.
For his efforts, Gabriel was named the ILH and state Player of the Year in 1979. Gabriel’s unselfishness was one of the multifaceted player’s standout strengths.
“He was surrounded by great teammates and wanted to make sure they all shared in the team’s successes,” said his former coach, Chris McLachlin ’64.
The multisport athlete was a three-time All-State selection in both basketball and football. He was the quarterback of the first Punahou team to play in the O‘ahu Prep Bowl in 1977, when the Buff ’n Blue captured the ILH title. That year, he was selected as ILH Offensive Player of the Year.
Gabriel also received the C. Dudley Pratt Athlete-of-the-Year Award as a senior.