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2013 Referee Clinic

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Letter From Tommy

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2 Person Referee Clinic

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NunezFoundation - Back on the air and getting ready for summer basketball! 30 days ago

In Loving Memory of Joseph “Andy” Rios

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FeaturedAndy

December 4, 1954 – November 5, 2007

Andy worked every year that he was healthy enough to, of the Tommy
Nuñez National Hispanic Basketball Classic. He passed away shortly after our
27th event after a long illness that Andy had fought since 1993 when he
was given last rites. It is now our 30th year of this event and hard to believe
that Andy worked 27 of those tournaments. Andy was a lot like our
tournament in that he accomplished so much when many people
doubted that he could make it as a player or an official, especially after
he became ill.

He accomplished very much as both. Besides working our tournament for 27
years, he officiated in the PAC 10, Mountain West, Western Athletic
Conference, West Coast Conference and Big Sky. He worked conference
tournaments as well as the NCAA tournament during his career. When visiting
with Andy, most of his favorite stories were about National Hispanic Basketball
Classic tournament even though he had worked on a much bigger stage.
Being a player in high school, Andy always wished there were tournaments like
this when he was playing. In looking through old programs, it is hard to believe
that we have grown to 76 teams, and could take more if we wanted to, from a
small tournament that started 30 years ago with 12 teams and one gymnasium. Andy was
one of about 16 referees that covered all the games back then. It is hard for me to believe,
no doubt, what we have become.

Andy Rios was a elementary school principal. He always had a smile on his face, a quip
that made you laugh and he carried the heart of a champion inside of him. His students
looked up to him and thought of him as a hero. Words cannot do justice to Andy Rios.

It is because of volunteers and role models like Andy, that we have grown into such a
successful and popular event. I can’t thank you all enough for all you do.

Tommy Nuñez

NHBC Founder/Director

In Memory of Hector H. Bejarano

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FeaturedBejarano

November 28, 1939 – July 5, 2009

Hector Bejarano

Many people throughout the state were saddened when they learned that Hector was suddenly taken from us.

Coach “B” was a supporter of Tommy Nunez Sr. and all of the activities and events that Tommy organized to help the Hispanic community. This was indicative of the Tommy Nunez National Hispanic Basketball Classic being held at North High School. He was proud to be a part of this fine event. From now on, the MVP trophy for the high school division will bear his name because of all he has done for high school kids.

Coach “B” was the head basketball coach at North High School from 1984-1997 where he restored some glory to the North program as his teams won three 5A-II state championships; twice were state runners-up; and were winners of numerous region titles during his tenure at North High School. He was inducted into the Arizona Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2002 and will always remain in our hearts and memories.

Coach Bejarano will be remembered not only for his basketball accomplishments but for his light up the room smile, his hearty laugh and the approachable type of person and teacher that he was.

One thing for sure if you were his friend, you were a friend for life as he was an immenselyloyal and caring individual.

The basketball community has lost an important part of its identity with the passing of Coach Bejarano; but he will never be forgotten.

CyberChimps