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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

Olivero Garza


Football Coach
Bi-District- Regional- Area
Texas Class AA and AAA Champions
Odem- Hebbronville High
1966- 1998

Olivero Garza's humble beginnings started in the South Texas town of Hebbronville. He spent summers as a migrant worker at the Chapman Ranch picking cotton to supplement his family's income and to buy much needed school supplies and clothes. His self motivation carried him to the top as a teacher and by 1996 he had overcome economic obstacles to be ranked as the State of Texas 25th top winningest football coach. His higher education life story began in the Spring of 1960 when upon hearing about a National Defense College Loan, he caught a ride to Pan American College in Edinburg. Determined to finish college four years, Garza took evening and Saturday college courses and accomplished his goal graduating with a bachelor's degree in four years. He began his football coaching career in Mirando City. To learn more about the strategies used in football, Garza studied a book on the straight "T" formation and modified it using his high school shotgun formation knowledge. His team finished that year with a successful 9 - 1 record. In 1969, legendary Hebbronville baseball coach Eliseo Ramos hired Garza as football and track assistant. The next year, the Longhorns captured the 1970 District Championship. Fortune would have it for Garza to become head coach and by 1974 his team finished with a 6 - 4 record. A hard work ethic brought success as he guided his team to the Texas State Schoolboy Quarterfinals in 1975. As a track coach, he took several athletes to State where they competed in the 800-yard and mile events. Coach Olivero Garza won 7 District Championships in 12 years at Hebbronville High including 3 Bi-District Titles and one Regional Championship. He was selected District 31-AA Coach of the year twice and was a finalist for South Texas Coach of the Year.