TUCSON, Ariz. — "My name is Chacho. My real name is actually Cesar -- that's the crazy thing about it," said Chacho Ulloa, a safety on the UA Football team.
He says his grandfather gave him that nickname. "Right when I was born I already looked like a boy and chacho means boy in Spanish of course," he said.
This "chacho" defied Hispanic stereotypes with his pursuit of football and a business degree. He'll be the first in his family to finish college.
"It's always been instilled in me to put school first, but always I had football in my back pocket -- it motivated me a little bit more," he said.
He's also motivated to be a role model for the next generation of Hispanics -- something he takes very seriously every time he steps out on the football field.
"For me a Chicano a Hispanic football playerto be playing at the highest level and it's a blessing and an opportunity also for me to break barriers. I have kids who come up to me that are Hispanic that don't really know football but they want to play because they see me. Since I did it -- they can too," said Chacho.
The University of Arizona is hosting it's annual Hispanic Heritage Day this Saturday, Sept. 28 and there are a lot of events going on around campus. Here's a rundown of what's happening, where and when:
Hispanic College Day
Where: Student Union
When: 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
What: Free event to educate youth from the Hispanic community on what it's like to be a student at the University of Arizona, presented by current UA Hispanic/Latinx students.
Coca-Cola Fan Fiesta
Where: Davis Sports Center
When: 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
What: Live entertainment from Hispanic bands, DJs and dancers.
UA Alumni Tailgate
Where: UA Mall, Southwest Corner of Cherry Avenue and University Boulevard
When: 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
What: Athletics, the Hispanic Alumni Club and the Office of Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement as we host a joint celebration of Hispanic Heritage Day prior to the football game against UCLA. The tailgate includes a buffet by El Charro. A cash bar will be available. Admission is $15.
The Game!
Where: Arizona Stadium
When: 7:30 p.m.
What: There are a lot of special activites at Saturday's Wildcats-UCLA matchup at Arizona Stadium. They include: Mariachis playing at the main entrances to greet fans at they enter the venue, a welcome message from Arizona Athletics student-athletes in Spanish and English, special music and decorations, recognition of UA Hispanic Alumni scholar recipients, recognition of the Sunnyside Little League baseball team and a halftime show with Pride of Arizona Marching Band and mariachi and folklorico dancers.
