DON LIEBHART- AUHS CLASS OF 1945
Destined to be a Colonist, Don Liebhart was born June 15, 1927 in Anaheim, and grew up dreaming of becoming an Anaheim High athlete. However, those dreams were dashed when he was stricken with polio in early childhood. With encouragement from his father, who would not let his son use his disability as an excuse, Don exercised his withered leg daily and, by the grace of God, was able to maintain use of his leg.
And what legs they became! They grew to carry Don at a height of 5-foot-10 and on to an amazing journey as an athlete, an award-winning basketball coach and dedicated teacher, father and grand-father.
Don’s dream of playing for the Colonists not only came true, he excelled at football, baseball and basketball. As a high school athlete Don earned letters and won awards in each. As a member of the Varsity Basketball Team, he was named Captain and “Most Valuable Man.”
But Don also served his alma mater from his sophomore year on student council, as well as in the performing arts He graduated in 1945 and turned his athletic abilities into a collegiate career. He first played football and basketball at Fullerton Junior College. As an FJC basketball player he was honored with all-conference and all-state awards. He was then given the opportunity to continue his education at Pepperdine University where he continued playing again on the court and gridiron.
While attending Pepperdine, Don found his passion for coaching and teaching. It was during this time that he came home and started the children’s sports program for Anaheim’s Parks and Recreation. He developed a program to encourage kids to play multiple sports with the goal of develop a love for athletics in all children. He encouraged his students to participate in all six sports and earn credit for trying. Don led this program from 1948 to 1964.
After graduation in 1951 from Pepperdine with a BA in Physical Education and a minor in Social Studies, Don went on to grad school at Long Beach State. While attending Long Beach State he tried his hand at coaching at his alma mater and became an assistant basketball coach at Pepperdine.
He next became a teacher and coach at Santa Ana High School from 1954-56. Then he planted his feet again on the Colony campus, where they stayed from 1956 to 1964. During his tenure, Coach Lieb brought the basketball program to championship level with a winning percentage of 74%, and a 166-58 record.
His success was recognized by his peers and he was asked to give clinics and talks to other high school and college coaches. He taught college programs like Oregon and UNLV how to run the “Passing Game” offense. It was offense that got him notoriety but, if you asked his players, they would tell you that you better play defense and never get out rebounded. He believed if you need to rest you would rest on offense not on defense.
Go by the Colonist gym during basketball practice and you would hear Coach Liebhart yelling ”Get UP!!” Don’s Colonist teams won multiple league championships. He had the privilege of coaching many talented players, one of whom was Loy Petersen from Class of 1963 who went on to play pro ball.
Don’s best finish in CIF was runner–up in 1960. That team went 30-2 and was led by Bob Luecke, Frank Peters and Terry Thatcher. His contributions to the sport of basketball and coaching were recognized in 1984 when he inducted into the CIF Hall of Fame.
Don’s next step was becoming Athletic Director at Kennedy High from 1964-1969. He then moved to the AUHSD office and as a curriculum coordinator and in other capacities until 1987, when he retired with his lovely wife Joan to Canyon Lake where they could play golf.
Now at age 86, Don still lives in Canyon Lake and still plays golf at least twice a week, while enjoying his family of three children, five grand-children and three great-grand- children.
And Don still exemplifies the Colonist Creed: “Once a Colonist, Always A Colonist!” He still loves basketball and loves to talk about it with his friends, family and former players.
It is with great pride and spirit that Anaheim High School inducts her outstanding son, Don Liebhart, Class of 1945, to the Colonist Hall of Fame for his years of loyalty and his outstanding contribution to his alma mater, his community and his family.
