Interesting Story: Idaho insurance salesman, former MU guard

[77ncaachamps]

From Marquette to Meridian: Insurance salesman played for team in 1954-55

BY BRIAN MURPHY - bmurphy@idahostatesman.com
Published: 03/19/09

While screaming at his television in sunny Florida, Patrick O'Keefe will be dreaming of Taco Bell Arena on Friday.

O'Keefe, a 75-year-old Meridian insurance salesman, had tickets to the NCAA Tournament basketball games in Boise. But he gave them to his son, who in turn sold them, long before Marquette was assigned to play here.

"It makes me sick, just makes me sick," said O'Keefe, who winters in Florida. "I just can't believe it."

Long before the NCAA Tournament became the March Madness phenomenon it is today, O'Keefe had his one shining moment.

In 1955, the 5-foot-10 O'Keefe - a quick triggered and sweet-shooting guard from long distance - was a key part of Marquette's run to the Elite Eight.

Marquette opened the 24-team tournament with a victory against Miami (Ohio), and then defeated No. 2-ranked Kentucky in Lexington to reach the regional final. There, O'Keefe and his Warrior teammates lost to fifth-ranked Iowa, ending their tournament hopes.

"I was a streak shooter. If I had a zone, that basket was real big," O'Keefe said. "I wasn't bashful."

O'Keefe moved to the Treasure Valley in 1964 to work for Boise Cascade. He began working for Northwestern Mutual two years later and stayed there for more than 40 years. His three sons graduated from Capital High. He became an independent agent a few years ago, and takes off for Florida every year after his beloved Boise State football team ends its season.

This week, however, he wishes he were back in Boise. Marquette, seeded sixth, will play No. 11 Utah State in a first-round West Regional game Friday at Taco Bell Arena.

O'Keefe has seen a number of Marquette games this season, and breaks down strengths and weaknesses with ease. He has high hopes for these Golden Eagles, but is worried about consistency.

"It depends on which team is going to show up," O'Keefe said.

http://www.idahostatesman.com/sports/story/703116.html

His MUwiki: http://wiki.muscoop.com/doku.php/men_s_basketball/pat_o_keefe

[spartan3186]

I saw this as well. I added the story to the wiki and was about to post it here.

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

Does Murff know this guy?

[Henry Sugar]

According to the wiki, it looks like they would have overlapped by at least a year.

the article talks about O'Keefe playing for an elite eight run in 54-55.

Murff graduated from MUHS in 54, and would have been a non-eligible freshman during 54-55.  His playing years were 55-56, 56-57, and 57-58

http://wiki.muscoop.com/doku.php/men_s_basketball/john_glaser

Of course, that's only the wiki.  I'd love to hear Murff's perspective

[ToddRosiakSays]

Boise man will be pulling for the Golden Eagles


Mar. 19, 2009 9:43 a.m.  




The Idaho Statesman, based in Boise, where the Marquette Golden Eagles play on Friday, has a nice story this morning about Patrick O'Keefe, who played for Marquette in 1955.

O'Keefe, unfortunately, gave up his tourney tickets to his son, who then sold then to someone else. But O'Keefe tells the newspaper he has high hopes for the Golden Eagles.

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http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/41492497.html