Luis J. Botifoll, Belen Class of 1925 (d. 2003)

Track and Field

Athletic:

1924 – at the age of 16 wins 1st place in triple jump and long jump in a competition among all schools in Havana, Cuba.

1925 – declared the best intercollegiate athlete of the year as he earned 1st place in the 50-yard dash (5 4/5) (tied a long time international record) and scored 1st place 
in the long and triple jump, establishing a new Intercoligiate record in the triple jump of 39’0 and in the long jump with 19’6.5. 

Attended the University of Havana where he continued to participate in Track and Field and also played basketball.

From Anuario del Colegio de Belen 1925.
“Desde los primeros momentos comenzo “Belen” arrollando; Botiffol [sic], que fue el mejor hombre sobre el terreno, rompio tres records.”

Professional and Personal:

1930 – Graduated from the University of Havana with a degree in law.

Editor of “El Mundo” newspaper in Havana.

President and Chief Executive Officer of Republic National Bank.

Member of the Board of Advisors – Belen Jesuit Preparatory School.

Doctor Honoris Causa at the University of Miami, Florida International University and Barry University.

1984- Awarded the Maltese Cross by the Knights of Malta.
1987- Recipient “Sand in My Shoes Award” given by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce .
Founding member of the Cuban- American National Foundation.