Colombia

Having parents from two different Colombian cities means I have two teams to support. My paternal Uncle, Franciny “Panchino” Quiceno, played for Deportes Quindío from 1965 to 1966. So that team runs in the blood of my Father’s family. My maternal Grandfather is from Medellín but he chose to support the lesser-known club from the City of Eternal Spring - Deportivo Independiente Medellín.

I’ve seen both play at their respective stadiums growing up, El Centenario and El Atanasio Girardot. I’ve experienced South American fútbol up close, but more importantly, I’ve seen the support these clubs get from their supporters. It’s just another level of love and passion that’s unmatched.

Pictured first is el Atanasio Girardot. After is El Centenario

With the Mayor of Morristown, my Uncle, Panchino! 😂

In the squad pic, he is in the bottom row, 2nd from the left.

The remaining pics are from my most recent visit to El Atanasio in 2022.

2013 Colombian All-Star Game

While in Armenia, Colombia in 2013, we attended a charity All-Star game at El Centenario. Deportivo Cali All-Stars vs. Colombian National Team All-Stars.

One of the players who played with Cali that day, Ruben Dario Yepes, happen to be a childhood friend and teammate of my Father. He then got us the hook up to meet some local and national legends you’ll see below! A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet and have all those legends together in a room.

(Click on picture, then in lower right-hand corner to learn more)