Citywide boxing celebrates Coach Bill Heglin's 50th Year of Mentoring Athletes at Hamlin Park as Six Shows Remain in the Season
Coach Bill Heglin has served as a trainer in Hamlin Park’s boxing gym for 50 years. On October 5, 2023, Coach Heglin’s mentees will go head-to-head in bouts against boxers from among the Chicago Park District’s 22 boxing gyms. The celebration of Coach Heglin’s half a century of service to the Chicago Park District will take place outdoors, weather permitting, at Hamlin Park, located at 3035 N. Hoyne Ave. Should inclement weather ensue, the boxing matches will move to the indoor gym.
Coach Heglin has remained a fixture at Hamlin Park since 1973, influencing the lives of Chicago’s youth through the sport of boxing. His expert instruction and commitment to integrity have ensured that athletes reach the glory of local, national, international, and Olympic competition throughout his tenure. Among countless talented boys, girls, men, and women, David Diaz, a member of the 1996 U.S. Olympic Team, was Coach Heglin’s pupil in the heart of the West Lakeview community area.
The public is invited to stop by this week’s boxing showcase and congratulate Coach Heglin on his amazing career and get some quick boxing tips from the legend himself. Citywide Boxing events are free to attend. In addition, parents, athletes, prospective boxers and casual supporters are invited to come celebrate and admire the athleticism and sportsmanship of Chicago Park District boxers. Each bout is judged, refereed, and coached by Chicago Park District staff. Boxers participating are enrolled at one of 22 local Chicago Park District boxing gyms.
Boxing Instruction at the Chicago Park District
Interested in taking up boxing? In-person and online registration is available at select park locations. For a full listing, visit our catalogue of boxing programs. Boxing sessions are going on now, but it’s not too late to jump into a session. Winter session boxing programs will be made available to view on November 27, 2023 on the Chicago Park District website.
Autumn Boxing Showcases
Citywide Boxing showcases have been making stops since late May across Chicago parks. Showcases will continue through November 16, 2023. Each event will take place outdoors, weather permitting. When the weather begins to turn with the seasons, the bouts will take place indoors at Chicago Park District Boxing gyms.
Throughout this October and November, the following parks will host Citywide Boxing Showcases:
• Thursday, October 5, 2023: Hamlin Park, 3035 N. Hoyne Ave.
• October 19, 2023: Ada Park, 11250 S. Ada St.,
• October 26, 2023: Fuller Park, 331 W. 45th St.
• November 2, 2023: Carver Park, 939 E. 132nd St.
• November 9, 2023: Brooks Park, 7100 N. Harlem Ave.
• November 16, 2023: Taylor Park, 39 W. 47th St.