In the midst of miracles San Felipe 1957 golf team tells story made of legend

Golf is the one game that can never be won. There is always a better score; always something to improve upon. No one can beat golf. On the flipside, golf is a game that has a blind-justice way of leveling every field. Bad lies happen to good players, while hacks hit miraculous shots. 

Something spectacular happened more than half a century ago in Del Rio, when the San Felipe High School Mustangs magically mastered a game a bunch of kids that weren’t allowed to play in the first place. As five Latinos in the 1950’s — Joe Treviño, Felipe Romero, Mario Lomas, Gene Vasquez and Lupe Felan — selftaught a game and grew into a life-long love affair. The 1957 Mustangs laced their trophy cabinets with prestige, winning the Class A Texas state high school golf championship by a previously-unfathomable 35strokes — securing first, second and third place individual honors in synchronization.

Anastacio “Stacey” Farias to be inducted Saturday

The 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.

H.B. Zachary, where assignments took him all over the world.

 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.

Roque Vela Jr. honored for achievements in football and contributions to Laredo-area athletics

The 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.

In South Texas, football reigns supreme. On a given crisp Thursday, Friday or Saturday fall night, teams take to the field locked in battle. A few of Laredo’s gridiron giants have made the leap from the ranks of the local high school field to university stadiums. Roque Vela Jr. stands out from the rest.

Vela’s football career began at C.L. Milton Elementary, where he played flag football under Coach Rocha. Vela’s talent was a certainty. While at Lamar Middle, he showed prowess on the field, earning Most Valuable Player honors during the 1990-91 season.

At Nixon, Vela proved invaluable to the Mighty Mustang football team. He earned an array of honors, including being named to the All-District Defense team for two years and All-City Defensive Back in 1994-95 — when the Mustangs reigned supreme as city champions. College programs took notice of his ability.

He chose Hardin Simmons University, beginning his collegiate football career, earning several honors along the way, including Conference Honorable Mention and All-Conference.

The Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame will honor the Richard G. Morales for his contributions to Laredo-area athletics and contributions to the community. 

Richard G. Morales A native of Galveston, Morales and his family came to Laredo when he was five years old. Growing up in the Gateway City, Morales quickly became a standout in sports — especially at Martin High School — where he earned four athletic letters in football and track, and three in basketball.

While excelling in all three, he was at his best when it came to track. He accomplished his most memorable feats as a track star, being one of the few sprinters to ever run 100-yards in less than 9.9 seconds.

Sul Ross University quickly grabbed the young athlete, offering a football scholarship. Unfortunately, a chronic knee injury cut short Morales’ collegiate athletic career.

Life after athletics Morales earned his law degree from La Salle Extension University and passed his Texas State Bar exam. Although he became a successful attorney in Laredo, he never lost his love for sports.

That passion inspired him to volunteer as a boys’ basketball coach for the Knights of St. Augustine. Lo- cated in the heart of historic downtown Laredo, St. Augustine didn’t have much in the way of practice facilities. The storied streets of Laredo became Morales’ track, while the auditorium served as the basketball court and Plaza San Agustin was his field. Despite the difficulties, Morales molded his team of 10 young men into a force to be reckoned with in basketball.

Under Morales’ guidance, the team held its own against Laredo’s best, including the Martin team that became the 1955 State Champions. Morales led his Knights to two Texas Catholic Interscholastic League Championship games during the 1953-54 and 1954-55 seasons. It was a truly remarkable feat for both the team and Laredo.

Although he is no longer alive, Morales’ memory lives on in the hearts of the young men he coached and in the soul of the community that he was proud to call his own.

St. Joseph’s Antlers won two consecutive championships from 1971-73.

For many years, St. Joseph’s Academy served as Laredo’s Catholic high school for boys. Run by the Marist Brothers, the academy produced young leaders, who grew up to be judges, doctors, elected officials and community leaders.

The Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame proudly honors Laredo businessman and philanthropist Arturo Benavides Sr. as the 2012 Sportsman of the Year.

The son of the late Anita and Carlos Y. Benavides, Sr., Benavides graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy and attended both Fordham University and the University of Dallas. He proudly served in the Texas National Guard.

A dedicated rancher, Benavides founded the Pescadito Cattle Company, raising commercial Brangus cattle. He founded ANB Cattle Company, later expanded its interests to include ranch ing, hunting, commercial real estate, land development, hotels, and oil and gas ventures.

While ranching is a huge part of his life’s work, Benavides also remains passionately devoted to his community — especially the youth of Webb County. He made several generous donations to the Kids’ Café — a South Texas Food Bank program providing nutritious meals to children in three centers — and the Benavides Boys and Girls Club in downtown Laredo, the Rio Bravo Community Center, and the El Cenizo Community Center. One of the Kids’ Cafes bears the name of Benavides’ three grandchildren: the John Roman Galo and Zoe Zelin Benavides Kids Cafe.

In 2009, during its annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser, the South Texas Food Bank paid tribute to Benavides for helping establish the Kids’ Cafe. In 2011, the League of United Latin American Citizens Council 12 honored Benavides by naming him Señor Internacional, representing the United States of America. That same year, Mayor Raul Salinas awarded Benavides the honorary title of President of the Republic of the Rio Grande.

Benavides’ source of strength and devotion comes his family, Anna and John Galo, and his grandson John Roman; and Malu and Arturo Benavides, and grandchildren Zoe, Carolina, and Carlos.

Two of a kind

Posada, Garcia to be enshrined

The Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame will induct a pair of Major League Baseball superstars this weekend. New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada and St. Louis Cardinals starting left-handed pitcher Jaime Garcia are slated for induction. Both World Series champion athletes generously give back to their communities while striving for perfection in America’s pastime. EPSN’s Buster Olney reported on Jan. 9 that Posada, 40, plans to retire before next season.

Congratulations, Class of 2012 Sports Hall of Fame Inductees

Jorge Rafael De Posada New York Yankees Catcher 5 Time World Series Championships 1990’s - 2000’s	Jaime García St. Louis Cardinals Pitcher 2011 World Series Champions	Roque Vela, Jr Football Hardin-Simmons McMurry University Intense Football League All Star	Anastacio “Stacey” Farias Basketball 3 Time City Champions All City Team Sidney Lanier High School Voks 1930’s
Richard Morales Volunteer Basketball Coach St. Augustine High School Knights 1940’s - 1950’s T.C.I.L. State Tournament 1953-54 & 1954-55	San Felipe High School Mustangs Golf Team 1957 Class A State Champions Del Rio, Texas (Click here for historic video)		Arturo Benavides Sports Patron Philanthropist
St. Joseph’s Academy Antlers Basketball Team Laredo, Texas 1972 & 1973 T.C.I.L. State Champions