TITLE: Paying tribute to the life of Valentino M. Luna, a Mexican American Trailblazer of Austin and Travis County.

SUMMARY: Paying tribute to the life of Valentino M. Luna, a Mexican American Trailblazer of Austin and Travis County.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Valentino M. Luna was posthumously recognized by the Austin History Center in conjunction with its exhibit Mexican American Firsts: Trailblazers of Austin and Travis County;and WHEREAS, Honoring the important contributions made by Mexican Americans to Central Texas, the Austin History Center and its association joined with the Austin Public Library to organize the show, which ran from August 21, 2010, through January 16, 2011; Mexican American Firsts: Trailblazers of Austin and Travis County celebrated the pioneering achievements of 32 remarkable men and women and provided the public with an opportunity to learn more about their lives; and WHEREAS, One such individual, Valentino Luna, was honored for his achievements in sports; a stellar boxer, Mr. Luna was born in Austin on February 14, 1930, and first took up the sport at the age of 16; his talent developed quickly and he entered the Golden Gloves state tournament after only two bouts; before he turned professional, he held the amateur titles of Austin Golden Gloves Champion, Texas Golden Gloves State Champion of 1947 and 1949, and Texas Amateur Athletic Federation Champion, in addition to being the National Golden Gloves runner-up of 1949; and WHEREAS, In 1983, Austin boxers named him the best boxer to come out of Austin; a hard-hitting southpaw, he was known for his strong counterpunch and long reach, and his victories were called "Valentine's Massacres"; he retired from professional boxing with a record of 21-2 but stayed active in the sport, sharing his knowledge and expertise as boxing coach at the South Austin Recreation Center; and WHEREAS, Through his outstanding accomplishments, Valentino Luna made a positive difference in his community, and his legacy is a source of pride and inspiration to many people; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Valentino M. Luna, a Mexican American Trailblazer of Austin and Travis County. Rodriguez Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 730 was adopted by the House on March 17, 2011, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House