Atchison, Kansas – The Benedictine College Raven Athletic Hall of Fame Committee has proudly announced the induction of the 1963 Men’s Soccer Varsity Team into its prestigious hall of fame. The team, which included Liborio Gomez (deceased), were honored during the Homecoming weekend in October 2023, celebrating their remarkable achievements on the soccer field during their time at St. Benedict’s College, now known as Benedictine College.
It is a momentous occasion that pays tribute to the exceptional contributions of Liborio Gomez and his teammates. Dr. Liborio Ramiro “Lee” Gomez, who hailed from San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Belize, dedicated a substantial portion of his life to Benedictine College, serving as a Professor Emeritus of Modern Foreign and Classical Languages for an impressive forty-two years.
Dr. Liborio Ramiro “Lee” Gomez, (March 11, 1941 – November 21, 2019)
St. Benedict’s College 1963 Men’s Soccer Varsity Team
This special recognition took place as part of the Hall of Fame banquet on Saturday, October 21, 2023. The event was a memorable one, with invitations extended to Liborio Gomez’s family, classmates and all former soccer players. The team’s accolades were also acknowledged on the field during the halftime of the homecoming football game and the halftime of the men’s soccer game.
Shawn Kelly, a 1978 Benedictine alumnus and former soccer player, had the honor of introducing the 1963 Men’s Soccer Team. In his introduction, he highlighted the team’s exceptional achievements. Notably, this was the first varsity soccer team in the history of the college, and it remains the only team to have maintained an undefeated record throughout the season. They also achieved the rare feat of defeating arch-rival Rockhurst twice and earned an invitation to the National Championships, solidifying their place in history.
Dr. Liborio Ramiro “Lee” Gomez, PhD, age 78, passed away peacefully in his home in Atchison, Kansas, on November 21, 2019. Lee was born on March 11, 1941, in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Belize, the son of Hilberto and Hilaria Gomez. He graduated from St. John’s College in Belize City before receiving a four-year scholarship to attend St. Benedict’s College in Atchison, Kansas. After completing his bachelor’s degree, he attended St. Louis University to attain his master’s degree and his Ph. D. in Spanish. Lee became a United States citizen in February of 1993, after passing the Naturalization Test.
Dr. Gomez’s story is not just one of sporting glory but also a testament to dedication and accomplishment in academia. His memory and legacy continue to thrive at Benedictine College, where he made a lasting impact on students and the institution as a whole. The induction of the 1963 Men’s Soccer Team into the Raven Athletic Hall of Fame serves as a fitting tribute to the enduring spirit of excellence and achievement that they embody.
