On Saturday, Sept. 27, Aragon held its annual Athletic Hall of Fame induction event, adding five athletes alongside the entire 2012 Boys Cross Country team. The ceremony was held in Center Court, featuring speeches about the athletes’ decorated Aragon careers.
Derek Foster, class of ‘90
Derek Foster played basketball at Aragon. His senior year, his team won both the PAL and CCS championships, reaching the NorCal Final Four. The Dons had never won a CCS championship until that season. Foster played for Lewis & Clark College, where he won 1994 Northwest Conference Player of the Year and was a First-Team-All American.
“It means a lot to me to be an Aragon Don,” Foster said. “My most memorable times were here at Aragon, [and] my most fun times playing basketball were here playing for Aragon with all my friends and teammates.”
Kimberly Tripplett, class of ’94
Kimberly Tripplett was inducted for her contributions to the Track and Field, soccer, basketball and cross country teams, winning Aragon Athlete of the Year as a senior. Trip- plett won the Triple Jump at the CCS championship with an Aragon record 37 feet, three inch leap.
“I’m appreciative of high school,” Tripplett said. “I met a lot of great people I’m still in touch with over 30 years later. I want to thank Aragon High School and the athletic department for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to compete here and excel.”
Stephanie Dere Tejo, class of ’06
Stephanie Dere Tejo won both the San Mateo County Times and Aragon Athlete of the Year twice. Tejo played badminton, volleyball and basketball and was named First-Team All-League in each sport. She later attended Foothill College where she continued her basketball career.
“At that point in my life, I just wanted to excel and learn. [I was] trying to do my best, listening to my coaches and trying to grow my skills,” Tejo said. “It’s really cool to be back at Aragon … It’s really nice to see the campus and [be] part of this whole ceremony. It’s such an honor.”
Matangi Tonga, class of ’06
Matangi Tonga excelled in track and field, basketball and most of all, football. With Tonga as a running back and defensive lineman, the football team won three Bay division titles. As a senior, Tonga won the PAL shot put championship. He went on to play football in college for Brigham Young University and University of Houston.
“Not everyone can be inducted into the Hall of Fame, so [being] in the class with the elite athletes is an honor,” Tonga said. “I love everything about this school.”
Sam Manu, class of ’83
Sam Manu played for Aragon as a basketball player before returning as a coach in 2011 to lead the boys and girls basketball team. Under Manu, the boys team made the playoffs in four of their five seasons and won the championship in 2013. He began coaching the girls basketball team in 2016 and led them to the CCS championship in 2018 and 2022.
“Basketball is my sweet spot,” Manu said. “I always ask people, what’s your sweet spot? What gifts do you have? And how are they all intersecting? That’s when you’ll feel the love of life.”
2012 Boys Cross Country Team
The 2012 boys cross country team reached the California State Cross Country Championships, the farthest an Aragon team has ever advanced in the sport. Seven athletes and two coaches were inducted as members of the team.
“We all came together at the right time,” said Ryan McAuliffe, a runner for the 2012 team. “[In] the race [that allowed us to qualify], everyone was hitting their stride and did what they needed to do.”
