Anastacio “Stacey” Farias to be inducted SaturdayThe induction ceremony is at 7 p.m. at the Laredo Country Club on Saturday, but tickets are sold out and won’t be sold at the door.Born in Laredo on April 10, 1913, the late Farias distinguished himself on the basketball court as a standout for San Antonio’s Lanier High School in the 1930’s. His prowess on the hardwood garnered him numerous accolades and recognitions, including helping his team win city championships and being named All-City Center three years in a row. San Antonio sportswriters christened the basketball standout “Stacy” because they could not pronounce his first name.

“Stacey Farias is one of the greatest centers ever produced in local high school cage circles,” wrote W.R. Beaumier in the February 7, 1931, edition of the San Antonio Express. “High scorer and producer of a great driving game at all times, he stands head and shoulders above the other centers.” After graduation, Farias — who also played baseball and football at Lanier — earned a basketball scholarship to Southwestern University in Georgetown. However, because of the Great Depression, Farias had to forego college, in order to help his family. During World War II, he was drafted into the Navy, serving as a seaman in the Philippines. After his service, he went on to work for Anastacio Farias will be inducted into the Latin American Sports Hall of Fame for his accomplishments in athletics.

Even though his collegiate hoop dreams were never realized, Farias never stopped loving the game. He briefly coached basketball at Laredo’s St. Joseph’s Academy. Later, he refereed basketball games all over the city. For his intense love of the game of basketball, his standout, stellar career at Lanier High School, his unselfish service to his country and many contributions to the Laredo sports scene, the Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame proudly enshrines the beloved Farias into the Hall of Fame.