Coach Bill Heglin to Retire After Serving 51 Years as Boxing Coach at Hamlin Park, Celebration to Take Place at Free Outdoor Boxing Show September 5

Following the celebration at Hamlin Park, Bessember, Ogden and Scottsdale Parks feature free, outdoor boxing shows throughout September

CHICAGO- To celebrate Bill Heglin's 51-year career as a Boxing Coach, on September 5, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Rosa Escareño, Boxing Program and Event Coordinator Angel Ocasio, spectators, and past and current pupils will gather at Hamlin Park, 3035 N. Hoyne Ave., to present Coach Heglin with an honorary plaque and endearing reflections on his career. At 7:00 p.m., the celebration will honor Coach Heglin's tenure with a speaking portion, followed by 12 boxing matches from approximately 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. This event will be the first of four free, outdoor boxing events in the month of September:

• Hamlin Park, Celebration of Coach Heglin's Career, 3035 N. Hoyne Ave., September 5, 2024, Lakeview
• Bessemer Park, 8930 S. Muskegon Ave., September 12, 2024, South Chicago
• Ogden Park, 6500 S. Racine Ave., September 19, 2024, West Englewood
• Scottsdale Park, 4637 W. 83rd St., September 26, 2024, Ashburn

To view the full schedule of Citywide Boxing Showcases, which take place through October 24, 2024, visit this page.

Coach Bill Heglin has served as the Hamlin Park Boxing Coach since 1973. Within the walls of the Hamlin Park fieldhouse, he coached 1996 Olympian and former World Champion David Diaz, former Heavyweight Titleholder Fres Oquendo, and many others to multiple amateur and professional titles and careers. Coach Heglin is an inductee to the Illinois Boxing Hall of Fame and the Golden Gloves Hall of Fame for his work as a coach. His last day will be September 30, 2024.

"Chicago Park District staff members have the opportunity to change lives each day they arrive to work," said Chicago Park District General Superintendent & CEO Rosa Escareño. "It's an honor to celebrate coach Heglin's steadfast leadership and unwavering commitment to the personal and athletic development of his pupils during his tenure with the Chicago Park District."

Immediately following the recognition ceremony at the celebration of Coach Heglin's career, at approximately 7:30 p.m., 24 boxers ages 8 to 25 that participate in the Chicago Park District boxing will compete in 12 bouts in an outdoor ring. If inclement weather ensues, the event will be canceled.

At each boxing event this September, including the Hamlin Park boxing showcase, up to 24 boxers ages 8 to 25 from the Chicago Park District boxing programs will compete in 12 bouts in an outdoor ring. A bout features opposing boxers that compete across three rounds which are one minute in length. If there is not a knockout decision, each bout will be scored by judges at the conclusion of the three timed rounds.

The Chicago Park District is proud to offer instruction at 22 boxing gyms at neighborhood parks citywide. Those of any skill level are encouraged to register for a fall boxing program to reap the benefits of sportsmanship, routine cardiovascular workouts, and expert instruction. Registration is available in person at parks with a boxing gym, and online. Visit this page for a full list of boxing events, programs and gyms.