KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Hy-Vee Arena hosted the 73rd annual Tony Aguirre Latino Basketball Tournament, drawing teams from across the Midwest and raising funds for Guadalupe Center.
Leo Prieto said the field spans a wide geographic range.
“We have teams from all over the Midwest here, from Houston all the way to Chicago,” Prieto said. “And it’s very competitive too.”
Tournament rooted in exclusion, named for historic coach
The tournament dates to 1953, when Latino players were barred from competing in established leagues.
“Back in the day, Hispanics, Latinos weren’t able to play in leagues, so that’s when it first started,” Prieto said. “And it just kind of built.”
The event is named for Kansas City coach Tony Aguirre, whom Prieto described as a formative figure for generations of players.
“He was a coach to every kid,” Prieto said. “He would work with kids — whether it’s on dribbling or their life skills. Just historic.”
Proceeds support Guadalupe Center’s programs
Tournament proceeds benefit Guadalupe Center, which Prieto said serves more than 35,000 people annually.
“We touch way over 35,000 a year,” he said. “Over 5,000 meals on wheels that we provide both for our seniors and our students with our charter school. We have Kansas City’s largest charter school — 1,700 students.”
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