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About The Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame

In the United States, there are Sports Halls of Fame that honor professional and amateur athletes in football, basketball, track, tennis, baseball and other sports. There are also ethnic halls of fame that recognize outstanding athletes from different groups including Italian, Jewish, Irish and blacks to name a few. But, there was not a single sports hall of fame that would recognize, honor and salute the outstanding accomplishments/achievements and contributions of our Latino/Hispanic Sports Heritage not only from the United States but also those who came to this country from Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Central and South America and from the vast talent from the Caribbean Islands. The Latin-American International Sports Hall of Fame/Salon de Ia Fama Latinoamericano del Deporte was organized in Laredo, Texas in 1974. At first it was to celebrate, honor and promote local and regional individuals who had excelled at their particular sport but soon it opened the doors to include National and International Professional Athletes. It also recognizes as Sportsman of the Year individuals who continue to preserve and enhance our Latino culture, values and educational opportunities for our youth and who contribute to the betterment of the City of Laredo and South Texas. There have been since its inception an equal recognition of women athletes inductees. It was important to find role models for our youth and the organizers wanted to include all ages, regardless of sex in their programs. The Latin Hall was also created to promote economic development and stimulate business activity in downtown Laredo when local businesses are contracted to provide services to our inductees, their families and guests who visit Laredo during the annual 3-day welcome reception, media luncheon and induction banquet celebration weekend. Through the years. (1975-2014), and with limited amount of funds the organization has, had the opportunity to help the youth of our community with scholarships and other youth activity fundraisers. Plans are to have a Latin Sports International Hall of Fame Museum (downtown) (soon) which will be a first for the United States and to provide clinics (free of charge) to instruct our youth in different sports.

Mission

The Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame was founded in 1975 to recognize individuals with good and proper standing in the community, high morals and values and who have excelled in sports and/or have contributed to the promotion of sports and goodwill in the Latino community.


Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame

47th Annual Induction Banquet

DARIO HINOJOSA


Football
"ELEVEN IRON MEN"
Martin High School- 1946


Daria Hinojosa, often considered as one of South Texas greatest Lineman, carved
a colorful gridiron career, both in the schoolboy and collegiate ran'ks during the late
1940's.
Hinojosa is best remembered locally for his frontline contributions as a member
and captain of the Tradition · Rich and famed 1946 Martin High School football
team, "The Eleven Iron Men ." The squad was rated No. 14 in the state and is best
remembered for battling San Antonio Jefferson High to a tie. Star running back
Kyle Rote played for Jefferson that year.
Daria was an honored student in High School. He was endowed with a rugged physique
but his size prevented him from playing pro football. As a coach for his Alma
Mater, he had one trait sorely missing in today's coaching fraternity ........ he could
dispense the knowledge that he learned while performing in college to his younger
charges.
Following graduation, Hinojosa accepted a football scholarship to Centenary
College in Louisiana . He then returned and played at Laredo Junior College and then
went on to Star brilliantly in the Lone Star State Conference as a member of East
Texas Teachers College.
The Laredo Basketball Association is proud to dedicate its 5th Annual Tournament
to Daria Hinojosa and at the same time induct him into the Hall -Of-Fame.