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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

Jose Lothario

Jose Lothario born Guadalupe G. Robledo on December 12 1934 in Torreon Mexico. Jose is one of 8 children born to his parents. At the age of 9 he was kicked out of his home and forced to live on his own on the streets of Torreon. Jose learned at a very young age that he would have to take care of himself. Learning how to work odd jobs the streets became a way of life.

Jose had become friends with some wrestlers that had suggested to him that he begin training to be a boxer. After several years of boxing his weight and growth was too big for the boxing level he was at so a friend had suggested that he transfer to learning to wrestle and that is where it all began. Wrestling in Mexico drew attention of promoters in the United States wanting to bring in the Hispanic wrestlers. In 1956 Jose began traveling back and forth between the US and Mexico. Gaining in popularity the promoters asked Jose to consider staying in the United States to travel all throughout the country. Jose lived first in Arizona then moved to California for a few years, then moved to Florida where he met his wife Jean. After a couple of years in Florida Jose was approached about a new promotion in Texas, therefore moving him to San Antonio Texas where he still lives. Jose continued his wrestling career as well as taking on the roll of promoter for South Texas and booking venues for World Class Championship Wrestling. During this time it allowed him the opportunity to travel to Laredo Texas nearly every other week for over 10 years. During the 10 plus years that Jose headlined countless main events in Laredo, he was extremely instrumental in helping The Laredo Noon Optimist Club raise significant amounts of funds that were distributed by The Club to various youth oriented charities throughout the community. From the youngest wrestling fan to the oldest senior citizen – Jose was a sports icon who was loved and adored by wrestling fans throughout Laredo. Throughout the years Jose visited Laredo, he would always make time to help The Optimist Club and their constant desire to raise money to help the youth of Laredo. Jose never forget about Laredo and Laredo will never forget Jose!

Jose enjoyed over 40 years in the professional wrestling world as wrestling has always been in his blood, he also trained some of the best known wrestlers like Gino Hernandez, The Von Ericks and Shawn Michaels. Wrestling was the greatest career for Jose to have, not only did it afford the opportunity to travel the world it also provided him the opportunity to help others and use his popularity to bring awareness or help raise funds for many of charities and non-profit organizations. Jose currently still lives in San Antonio with his wife of 45 years and spends his time with his 3 children, 4 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.