The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced today Syracuse University Women’s Basketball head coach Quentin Hillsman has been named Grand Marshal of the 2016 Boxing Hall of Fame Parade of Champions scheduled for Sunday, June 12th at 1 p.m.
“The Hall of Fame is thrilled that Coach Hillsman will serve as the 2016 grand marshal,” said Hall of Fame Executive Director Edward Brophy. “We are so proud of the incredible accomplishments of his teams, including the amazing march to this year’s national championship game. It will be a remarkable day in Canastota when Coach Hillsman leads the Parade of Champions through ‘Boxing’s Hometown.’”
Known for his passion for the game, Hillsman graduated from St. Mary’s College of Maryland, where he enjoyed a successful college basketball career. Named head coach at Syracuse in 2006, Hillsman is the fastest coach to 100 victories in program history and was named 2008 Big East Coach of the Year. He led the 2015-16 team to the program’s fourth consecutive NCAA tournament, first Final Four appearance, first national championship game (vs. Connecticut Huskies) and a record 30 win season. Under his guidance, Hillsman has elevated the Orange to national prominence.
“It is an extreme honor to serve in the capacity of grand marshal for such a unique group of athletes. Boxing has a special place in my heart. I’m humbled and deeply appreciative,” said Hillsman.
The Parade of Champions, set for Sunday, June 12th at 1:00 p.m., will pass through the streets of Canastota and lead to the grounds of the Hall of Fame Museum prior to the start of the Official Induction Ceremony honoring the new class of inductees. Inductees include Puerto Rico’s multi-division champion Hector “Macho” Camacho (posthumous), Mexico’s two-division champion Lupe Pintor and Panama’s two-division champion Hilario Zapata in the Modern category; judge Harold Lederman, commissioner Marc Ratner, journalist Jerry Izenberg and broadcaster Col. Bob Sheridan. Posthumous inductees Petey Sarron in the Old-Timer Category and trainer Whitey Esneault in the Non-Participant Category will also be honored.
Over 40 boxing stars from the United States and abroad, including Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Julio Cesar Chavez, Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker, Michael Spinks, Pipino Cuevas, Mike “The Body Snatcher” McCallum, Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, Leon Spinks, “Irish” Micky Ward, Gerry Cooney, Leo Randolph, “The Coal Miner’s Daughter” Christy Martin, Andrew Golota and many more will be highlighted in the Parade of Champions.
“With the lineup of marching bands, boxing celebrities, community organizations and now Coach Hillsman, this should be our biggest parade ever and an unforgettable day for all,” said parade chairperson Charlene Barres.
The Parade of Champions is sponsored by Nice N Easy Grocery Shoppes.
The June 9 through 12 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend will feature many exciting events including a banquet, boxing autograph card show, golf tournament, cocktail party and the Official Induction Ceremony honoring the Class of 2016.
For more information on the 2016 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend please call (315) 697-7095, visit online at www.ibhof.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/