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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

Francis Pancho

 

 

 

 
Francis "Pancho" Cullen Averill, Jr.
Sportsman Of The Year
 

Francis “Pancho” Cullen Averill, Jr.

SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR

Pancho has had a love of sports since a young age. Like many kids he played little league baseball, played football, basketball, tennis, and golf. His passion for baseball came from his father who would tell stories of watching games at Fenway Park in Boston when he was a child. His goals in life were molded from his philosophy in sports, and that is “to be the best at anything you do requires a commitment and hard work”.

After marrying, Pancho continued in sports thru his children in that he coached them in baseball, basketball, and softball from early on thru their high school years as a volunteer coach. In recent years, Pancho decided to become a volleyball official and has attended clinics, state meetings and taken courses in order to become the best that he can. For the past 5 years he has officiated hundreds of local,area and regional volleyball matches.

After beating cancer and retiring, Averill has dedicated his time to many volunteer civic and charitable organizations such the Children’s Advocacy Center, St. Patrick’s Church, Casa Misericordia, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Laredo and also finds time to serve as the volunteer Athletic Director for Mary Help of Christians School, where he also finds time to coach a girls basketball team.

A deep passion of Pancho has always been his love of golf. Having started at a young age, while not in an organized team, loved the game. His love of travel has made his dream of playing golf in all fifty states a possibility although still lacking some states to go. His love of golf drew him to volunteer with the Border Olympics organization. Active in Border Olympics Softball while assisting his sister who was the tournament director of the softball, he has served as the tournament director for University Golf for over 30 years. He credits his longevity as director in his ability to see the youth of today follow their passion and dreams. For his dedication to the Border Olympics University Golf tournament, Pancho has received the Slaughter Award for outstanding volunteer, the Chivo Goodman Award for Outstanding Director, the Daiches Award, the Frank Carter Award for Outstanding Softball Volunteer, and the Pichot Longevity Award.

Throughout his years as Tournament Director, Averill has had the pleasure of meeting Golf coaches from all over the country and players who have played in the Border Olympics and gone on to become professional golfers. 

When not on the golf course you can probably find Pancho either fishing, or spending time with his family. “I do believe that God blessed me in life with a wonderful family, a successful career and a loving marriage and I remain thankful for that blessing.