Slide Background
Slide Background
Slide Background
Slide Background
Slide Background
previous arrow
previous arrow
next arrow
next arrow

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

ELEUTERIO "Lou" GARZA


Basketball Coach
Roma High School
Texas State "AA"
Final Four 1972-1976
Rio Grande Valley Sports
Hall of Fame 1993

Eleuterio Garza Jr. is a 1961 graduate of Benavides High School and a 1964 graduate of Texas A&I University in Kingsville, Texas. He majored in Health and Physical Education and earned a Master's Degree in School Administration from Texas A&I University in 1969. Lou Garza and his wife, Delia, also from Benavides, Texas, have five children. The Garzas still reside in Roma, Texas. Coach Garza began his career at Cummings Junior High School in Brownsville, Texas in 1964, coaching all sports at the eighth grade level. He moved to Romain October 1967 where he accepted the position of Athletic Director/Head Basketball Coach at Roma High School. Coach Garza held this position until he became superintendent of schools for Roma I.S.D. in 1978. He served the district as superintendent of schools for the Progresso l.S.D. from 1995 to 1999. Mr. Garza is now retired and enjoying life in Roma, Texas. Coach Lou Garza's coaching records is truly an exceptional one. His outstanding coaching career really put Roma and the Gladiators on the basketball map. During his tenure as basketball coach in Roma, he posted 298 wins and just 67 losses between 1967 and 1978. Roma reached the State Semi-Finals in both 1972 and 1976. The Gladiators were 99-9 in district play. They were also Co-Champs in 1969, District Champs from 1969 to 1978, won six HiDistrict titles and were Regional Semi-Finalists four years. and Regional Champs twice. Coach Garza credits his success to a lot of hard work by many young men who were willing to pay the price, strong support from parents and community, and to outstanding school support from students, staff. and administrators. Coach Eleuterio Garza's outstanding career was highlighted by his induction into the Rio Grande Valley Sports Hall of Fame in April 1993.