Senate Resolution No. 1102

BY: Senator GRIFFO

HONORING JoAnn Hagen posthumously upon the
occasion of being inducted into the International
Boxing Hall of Fame on June 10-11, 2023

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding athletes who distinguished themselves through their
exceptional performance, attaining unprecedented success and the highest
level of personal achievement; JoAnn Hagen was one such athlete and her
life of athletic achievements inspired others and contributed to the
respect and admiration of the sport of boxing; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
JoAnn Hagen upon the occasion of being inducted into the International
Boxing Hall of Fame at Hall of Fame Weekend on June 10-11, 2023 in
Canastota, New York; and

WHEREAS, Born as JoAnn Verhagen in South Bend, Indiana, JoAnn Hagen
was working at the Bendix brake manufacturing factory, when she hit a
co-worker who was threatening her with uninvited advances and the
incident was witnessed by the brother of local boxing promoter Johnny
Nate; before long, she was a regular at his boxing gym; and

WHEREAS, JoAnn Hagen competed in matches throughout the Midwest; in
1954, she made history as the only boxer to defeat Barbara Buttrick when
she scored an eight-round decision in front of 1,200 fans in Calgary,
Alberta, Canada in the first women's bout to be broadcast over the
radio; and

WHEREAS, Making major media appearances including the popular game
show "What's My Line?" and "The Steve Allen Show," JoAnn Hagen helped
female boxing's profile; and

WHEREAS, After retiring in 1956, JoAnn Hagen enlisted in the Marine
Corps and lived in South Bend until she passed away in 2004 at the age
of 73; and

WHEREAS, JoAnn Hagen clearly made a contribution to the spirit of
excellence which is a tradition of the International Boxing Hall of
Fame; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such outstanding athletic accomplishments are brought to
our attention, they should be recognized by all the citizens of this
great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor JoAnn Hagen posthumously upon the occasion of being inducted into
the International Boxing Hall of Fame on June 10-11, 2023; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of JoAnn Hagen.