2023 Grand Marshal

The Findlay Market Association is the proud sponsor of the 104th Opening Day Parade, and with the cooperation of the Cincinnati Reds, is proud to announce the Grand Marshal for this year's parade (start time of noon, from the market).

2023 Findlay Market Parade Grand Marshals

Danny Graves (Pitcher, 1997-2005; 2023 Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame)

The franchise’s all-time leader in career saves with 182, Danny Graves was the Reds’ primary closer in five of his seven full seasons with the club. Graves led the Reds in saves in each of those five seasons and is one of only six pitchers in franchise history to lead the team in saves in four consecutive seasons. His 41 saves in 2004 ranks third in franchise history for most saves in a single season. A National League All-Star in 2000 and 2004, Graves finished in the top-10 in the league in saves four times during his career. In 2000, he won both the Ernie Lombardi Award as the Reds’ Most Valuable Player and the Johnny Vander Meer Award as the club’s top pitcher. He is one of only five pitchers in franchise history to win each of these club honors. In franchise history, only four pitchers have totaled more games pitched with the Reds than Graves’ 465. In 2002, Graves was the winner of the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award which is given annually to the player who best exemplifies the spirit and character of Lou Gehrig on and off the field. The only Vietnamese-born player in Major League history, Danny Graves will be the fourth relief pitcher inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame.

Bronson Arroyo (Pitcher, 2006–2013, 2017; 2023 Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame)

One of the most durable pitchers in Reds history and one of only two Reds pitchers to win a Rawlings Gold Glove Award, Bronson Arroyo pitched 200 or more innings in seven of his eight full seasons with the club and started 32 or more games in each of his eight full Reds campaigns. A 2006 National League All-Star, Arroyo paced the league in both innings pitched (240.2) and starts (35) that season. Arroyo led or tied for the club lead in games started seven times in his career and was the club’s leader in innings pitched in five different seasons. In Reds history, only six pitchers have started more games for the club than Arroyo’s 279 and his career total of 1,761.1 innings pitched has been topped by only 15 pitchers in franchise history. Arroyo led or tied for the club lead in victories in a season three times and won 12 or more games in a season six times during his Reds career including a career-best 17 wins during the Reds’ 2010 National League Central Division championship season. He won Gold Glove honors that season and finished 12th in voting for the NL Cy Young Award. In 2012, he contributed 12 victories to the 97 wins recorded by the Central Division Champion Reds, a team victory total that has been exceeded by only seven other Reds teams. Relying on pitch location, movement and changing speeds, Arroyo struck out 1,157 batters as a Red, a total bested by only five pitchers in club history.


The two current Cincinnati Reds players will be pitchers: Graham Ashcraft & Nick Lodolo.


Marty BrennamanMarty Brennaman - Marty Brennaman Cincinnati Reds radio announcer will appear with Kid Glove Program entry (Position #17) - Reds radio announcer Marty Brennaman received the Ford C. Frick Award on July 23, 2000, in ceremonies at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. The award is presented each year by the Hall of Fame to a broadcaster “for major contributions to the game of baseball.” Brennaman, Red Barber (WSAI, 1934-1938), Al Helfer (WSAI, 1935-36) and Russ Hodges (WFBE, 1932) are the only Reds announcers eve9r to receive the Hall of Fame’s prestigious broadcasting award. The 2019 season was Brennaman’s 55th and final as a broadcaster, his 46th in Cincinnati, as he retired following the season. Brennaman joined the Reds radio team in 1974 and for 31 seasons (1974-2004) shared the 700 WLW Radio booth with Reds Hall of Fame pitcher Joe Nuxhall. In 2019, Brennaman will become only the eighth Major League Baseball broadcaster to work for the same team for at least 46 seasons, joining Vin Scully of the Dodgers (67 seasons, 1950-2016), Ralph Kiner of the Mets (52 seasons, 1962-2013), KC’s Denny Matthews (2019 will be his 51st, 1969), Mil’s Bob Uecker (2019 will be his 49th, 1971), Jack Buck (48 seasons, 1954-2001) & Mike Shannon (2019 will be his 48th, 1972) of the Cardinals and LA’s Jaime Jarrín (2019 will be his 47th, 1973). At 31 years together, Marty & Joe tied LA’s Vin Scully and Jerry Doggett for the longest running broadcast duo in baseball history. Brennaman has been named Ohio Sportscaster of the Year 17 times, most recently in 2018. He won the Virginia Sportscaster of the Year Award 4 times while broadcasting basketball games for the American Basketball Association’s Virginia Squires, baseball games for the New York Mets’ Class AAA affiliate in Norfolk and football games for both Virginia Tech and William & Mary. He also has broadcast games during the NCAA’s men’s basketball tournament, including 15 regional tournaments and 11 Final Fours. On May 2, 2005 he was inducted into the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Hall of Fame in Salisbury, NC. On November 5, 2005 he was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in Chicago. In 1999 he was inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame. In October 2013 he was inducted into the Hampton Roads (VA) Sports Hall of Fame. In 2009 he was selected by the American Sportscasters Association as one of the Top 50 broadcasters of all time. In January 2013 he received the Tom Hammond Lifetime Achievement Award for Sports Broadcasting, presented by the Bluegrass Sports Commission in Lexington, Ky.


Bearcats Basketball Players & Greater Cincinnati Cancer Patients will appear with Cincinnati Cancer Advisors entry (Position #19).

Bearcats Basketball Players

Former University of Cincinnati Basketball Players along with Cincinnati Cancer Advisors would like to raise awareness and salute all Greater Cincinnati Cancer Patients. Cincinnati Cancer Advisors is a consultative oncology practice that offers no cost oncology services to more than 400 Greater Cincinnati cancer patients annually. The organization seeks to improve the care of cancer patients seeking a second opinion so that they walk away with a thorough understanding of their diagnosis and confidence in their plan of care.

CCA believes that great care begins with a great plan and in doing so, the organization hopes to take those feelings of chaos out of a cancer diagnosis through its team-oriented, mission-driven approach to making second opinions more accessible.

Carl Bouldin: UC 1959-61; 1961 National Champion Team; played 4 seasons in MLB with the Washington Senators

Tom Thacker: UC 1961-63; 1961 & 1962 National Champion Teams; 2x First-team All-MVC (1962, 1963)

George Wilson: UC 1962-64; 1962 National Champion Team, 1964 Olympic Gold Medalist (Basketball), Cincinnati Royals

Roland West: UC 1964-67; First-team All-MVC (1966); 1966 Sweet 16

Mike Artis: UC 1974-76; 1975 Sweet 16

Robert Miller: UC 1975-78; First-team All-Metro Conference (1977); 1975 Sweet 16; Cincinnati Slammers (CBA)

Myron Hughes: UC 1982-86; 1985-86 UC MVP

Damon Flint: UC 1994-97; 2x Elite Eight; OHSBCA Mr. Basketball

Corie Blount: UC 1992-93, 1992 Final 4; 11 Seasons in the NBA, primarily with Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers

Melvin Levett: UC 1996-99; UC single-game record for three-pointers (10) vs E. KY; Cincinnati Stuff (IBL); Harlem Globetrotters

More information visit: Cincinnati Cancer Advisors.


Anthony MunozAnthony Munoz will appear with the Anthony Munoz Foundation entry (Position #26). First-round draft pick by Cincinnati Bengals and third overall pick in 1980, Anthony played 13 seasons with the Bengals (1980-1992) and was enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 1998.  He was named NFL’s Man of the Year in 1991, and his career as an All-Pro lineman earned him membership on the NFL’s 75th Anniversary All-Time Team in 1994.  In 2010, he was ranked No. 12 on the NFL Network's Top 100 players list and was the highest-ranked offensive lineman.  In 2002, Anthony created the non-profit Anthony Muñoz Foundation, which works with Greater Cincinnati youth impacting them mentally, physically and spiritually.  Since its inception, the Foundation has raised over $13 million for youth programs. In 2017, in celebration of its 50th anniversary, Anthony was recognized by the Cincinnati Bengals as the No. 1 Bengal as voted on by fans and media.

Anthony and his wife Dede have two children, Michael (wife, Emily) and Michelle (husband, Luke Trenz), and 11 grandchildren.  He is a true family man, who also stays active in the community, sharing his persistent message to overcome adversity and give back.  The former Cincinnati Bengals star has logged two decades of high-profile charitable work and youth advocacy since retiring from the game in 1992.  A true hometown hero, Anthony continues to give his time and dedication to serving the youth of Greater Cincinnati.  For more information, visit the Anthony Munoz Foundation's website: www.munozfoundation.org.

 


Honoring the 1981 & 1988 Cincinnati Bengals and the Ken Anderson Alliance

1981 & 1988 Cincinnati Bengals

Members of the 1981 & 1988 Cincinnati Bengals Super Bowl Team will appear with Smoothie King (#27) - Members of the 1981 & 1988 Cincinnati Bengals Super Bowl Team along with Smoothie King would like to bring attention to the Ken Anderson Alliance. The Ken Anderson Alliance is a special needs organization that champions for adults with disabilities. The Ken Anderson Alliance community is a setting where adults with disabilities can realize their full potential in a safe, affordable, caring, integrated and supportive environment. We believe choice is important. We seek to provide residents with a comfortable transition from living with parents or loved ones to building a new life of their own.

Ken Anderson: Super Bowl XVI, 1981 MVP, 4x Pro Bowl, All Pro

David Fulcher: Super Bowl XXIII 3x Pro Bowl, 3x All Pro

Louis Breeden: Super Bowl XVI, All Pro

Dave Lapham: Super Bowl XVI

Joe Kelly: Super Bowl XXIII

Tom Dinkel: Super Bowl XVI

Kevin Walker: Super Bowl XXIII

For more information on the Ken Anderson Alliance visit the website: Ken Anderson Alliance.

 

 

 

 


Cincinnati Bengals Kicker Greats will appear with Jake Sweeney position (#28).
Jim Breech

Jim Breech - Kicker Super Bowls '81, '88, All-Time Top scorer for The Bengals

Doug Pelfrey - Kicker (1993 - 99)

Shayne Graham - Kicker (2002 - 15) Pro Bowler

 

 

 

Miss America 2000 with current Miss IN, KY & OH will appear with Jake Sweeney position (#31).
Miss Ohios standing side-by-sideHeather French Henry, Miss America 2000, is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati's DAAP where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Fashion and a Masters in Design (MDes.). Today, she serves as the VP of Media Training for the Brielle Cotterman Media Group, Outreach Strategist for Global Game Changers and is Creative Director of Heather French Henry, LLC. As Miss America 2000, she used that platform to share her unique story to advocate for military veterans and their families.  Her love of the military came from her admiration for her father, Ronnie French, a disabled Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War and her Uncle Jerry who overcame homelessness to go on to serve as a homeless veteran counselor. She has served as both deputy commissioner and commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs for two Governors in the Commonwealth of Kentucky which oversees nursing home facilities, cemeteries and programs for over 300,000 veterans. Both she and her husband operate the Rosemary Clooney House Museum which owns the famous White Christmas Movie Collection. She is the volunteer Director of the Heather French Foundation for Veterans which focuses on developing military educational displays to honor our heroes and educate the public about their sacrifice and service. Heather is from Maysville and Augusta, KY and is married to Dr. Stephen L. Henry, former Lt Governor of Kentucky & acclaimed trauma orthopedic surgeon.  They have two daughters Harper Renee' and Taylor Augusta.

Elizabeth Hallal, Miss Indiana 2022, a native of Georgetown, Indiana and is currently a student at Ball State University and is pursuing a degree in musical theatre.  Elizabeth founded The Triple A Project: Accessibility to the Arts for All in 2019. In the Miss America Pageant competitions, she was awarded Preliminary Talent Award for her Musical Theater Vocals version of "Defying Gravity".

Hannah Edelen, Miss Kentucky 2022, a Springfield native and public school teacher.  Hannah graduated from NKU, earning a Bachelor of Arts in history and in communication studies. Hannah has completed her Master of Education Policy and Evaluation at the University of Kentucky and is currently a doctoral student extending her graduate work. As a student, she also worked as a Covington Communications intern, a state General Assembly Intern, and Public Policy Congressional intern. During her time in Washington D.C she met with leaders in Teach for America (TFA) and began her route of alternative certification into teaching.  Hannah began working to make her stories come to life. In March, she published her first book, 'Hank the Horse and the Case of the Missing Eggs!' - a tale about information literacy that is currently available on Amazon. In her free time, Hannah enjoys working out, clogging, sipping sweet tea with her friends, and reading a good book.

Elizabetta Nies, Miss Ohio 2022, a Cincinnati native is founder of Project Purpose, a movement helping people to achieve their goals! Elizabetta is a graduate of Davis College & the International University of Monaco – Business Marketing & Communications. She is a accomplished pianist, violinist, artist and public speaker who loves Skyline Chili. When she's not at an event or watching football with her family, she’s focused on being a successful entrepreneur and real estate agent here in Cincy with a goal of being listed on Forbes 30 under 30. WHO DEYYYYY?!?!?

Cincinnati Beard BaronsTaxi Phil, David Neiheisel and The Jones Brothers will appear with Cincinnati Beard Barons entry (Position #40).All 3 are veterans of different branches. Taxi Phil (Air Force), Jim Jones (Marines), David Neiheisel (Army). Jim Jones has secured 1st place finishes in 8 different beard and moustache categories across the United States. Taxi Phil is the most famous EMCEE being asked to facilitate competitions across the nation. Taxi Phil Jones has been a huge part of the bearding community for over 15 years. He is one of the founding members of the Cincinnati Beard Barons and has been President for 10 years. He was recently elected as a Vice President of The North American Charitable Beard and Mustache Alliance. Taxi Phil Jones is known for his iconic handlebar mustache . He is recognized in the bearding community throughout the country as a world class competitor, top rated judge and a first-class Emcee. Traveling all over the country bearding with his wife Sandy, he has attended over 100 competitions. He has competed at local, regional, national and world levels. Phil has placed numerous times in First place in the U.S. comps and was honored to place Third in Worlds. Over the past 15 years he has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for local charities throughout the USA. Philanthropy is the driving force behind the competitive bearding community throughout this country. He has proud and honored to part of this community.

The Cincinnati Beard Barons will host the Big Whisker Revival at Southgate House on Oct 7th to raise money for the Barracks Project, which helps honorably discharged veterans reintegrate back into the civilian community. Cincinnati Beard Barons has raised over $45,000.00 the past 5 years.

George FosterGeorge Foster will appear with Cumulus Radio - WARM 98 entry (Position #52). George Foster was one of the Big Red Machine's biggest offensive threats. Foster lead the league in RBI for 3 straight years (1976-'78), in home runs for 2 years (1977-'78) and won the National League MVP in 1977 (.320, club-record 52 homers and 149 RBI). Foster spent 11 of his 18 major league seasons with the Reds, from 1971 through 1981. He finished his career as a five-time All Star and was the 1976 MLB All Star Game MVP. He played a total of 18 seasons and retired in 1986 after a short stint with the Chicago White Sox. Foster was inducted in the Reds Hall of Fame in 2003 and remains active in the Greater Cincinnati community and with the Reds organization.

 

 

 

 

Ron OesterRon Oester will appear with Wings and Rings entry (Position #66). A Cincinnati native and 1974 graduate of Withrow High School, second baseman Ron Oester played his 17-year professional baseball career in the Cincinnati Reds organization, including 13 years at the Major League level. Selected by the Reds in the ninth round of the 1974 amateur draft, Oester made his Major League debut in 1978 and began making regular appearances in the Reds lineup in 1980 when he appeared in 100 games and finished fourth in voting for the National League Rookie of the Year Award. In 1981, Oester enjoyed the first of six consecutive seasons as the Reds starting second baseman, a streak that was interrupted by a major knee injury he suffered in July of 1987. He won Major League Baseball's Hutch Award in 1988 after his successful return to the Reds everyday lineup. In his final season in 1990, Oester was a key player off the bench during the Reds World Championship season and scored the winning run in the Reds pennant-clinching game over the Pirates in Game 6 of the 1990 NLCS. After his playing career, Oester spent six seasons with the Reds as a Major League coach. He remains a Cincinnati resident.

 

 

Mary Danner WinebergMary Danner Wineberg - Gold 2008 Beijing - Athletics with appear with the Flying Pig Marathon position (#84). - Mary was born in Brooklyn, New York and later moved to Cincinnati, Ohio where she attended Walnut Hills High School. It is here she gained an interest in track, earned a scholarship to the University of Cincinnati and found passion in running. She slowly developed her talent in the 400 meters and ran a best of 53.30. She represented Team USA in 2003, 2006, 2007, and in 2008 on various teams. Her P.B. in the 400 is 50.24. Her professional track career included running for Nike, Brooks and ending with the NYAC (New York Athletic Club). Mary has 1 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze medal, but her highlight comes from attaining Olympic Gold in 2008 in which she ran first leg in the 4x400 meter relay.

Mary is now a passionate motivational speaker, educator author, and enthusiast of healthy living who challenges everyone to disband limiting beliefs and blaze a trail of personal triumph in pursuit of securing one's own "Gold". Mary has won a multitude of awards through the years due to her service, leadership and impact in the community. Mary still resides in Cincinnati, with her husband and two daughters. She believes that we all have greatness within us; and that it is all about how we unlock that greatness. Reserve a book by visiting www.marywineberg.com and have Mary sign it for you prior to the beginning of the parade.

 

Corben Bone & Omar Cummings will appear with FC Cincinnati entry (Position #86)
FC Cincinnati members Corben Bone (Midfielder), originally from Plano, Texas, played NCAA D1 soccer for Wake Forest University from 2007 to 2009.  While at Wake Forest University, Corben appeared in 68 games, scoring 15 goals and adding 38 assists and was a member of the 2007 NCAA College Cup Championship team. In 2009, Corben was named ACC Offensive Player of the Year.  In the 2010 MLS SuperDraft, he was selected #13 in the first round by the Chicago Fire. From 2016 to 2019, he played for FC Cincinnati.  Corben was one of the first 11 players signed at the club.  He recently retired after 13 professional seasons and is now the Director of Soccer in the Community for FC Cincinnati.

Omar Cummings (Forward), originally from Old Harbour, Jamaica, a fan favorite from the early USL days with FC Cincinnati.  Omar is a former professional soccer player and current club ambassador with FC Cincinnati. He made over 200 appearances in his playing career including in 24 games in two seasons for FCC. He attended college at Cincinnati State College and the University of Cincinnati prior to being drafted by the Colorado Rapids, where he made 148 appearances and scored 39 goals. His career also made stops in Houston and San Antonio before arriving to Cincinnati in 2016. Cummings also scored seven career goals for the Jamaican National team in an over-four year career with the Reggae Boyz.

Bootsy Collins with bass guitarBootsy Collins will appear with the King Studios entry (Position #88): Bootsy (born William Collins, October 26, 1951, Cincinnati) is one of the all-time great funk and R&B bassists/singer/bandleader. He formed his first group, the Pacesetters, in 1968, featuring Phelps "Catfish" Collins (his brother; guitar), Frankie "Kash" Waddy (drums), and Philippe Wynne (later of The Spinners fame). From 1969 to 1971, the group functioned as James Brown's backup band and was dubbed the J.B.'s. In 1972, Bootsy joined George Clinton's Parliament/Funkadelic. Collins and Clinton soon established a lifelong personal and musical friendship. He launched Bootsy’s Rubber Band as a spinoff of P-Funk in 1976, the band including his brother Phelps, Waddy (drums), Joel "Razor Sharp" Johnson (keyboards), Gary "Mudbone" Cooper (vocals), and Robert "P-Nut" Johnson (vocals), along with "the Horny Horns". (He was sometimes billed alone as Bootsy, and sometimes as William "Bootsy" Collins.) Bootsy is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and also a Grammy Award Winner.  Bootsy still resides in Cincinnati and continues to work in the community including preserving the legacy of the King Records Building. 

See Bootsy Collins on youtube: I'd Rather Be With You and Play With Bootsy

 

Otis WilliamsOtis Williams of Otis Williams and The Charms will appear with the King Studios entry (Position #88). Otis Williams was born and raised in Cincinnati. He attended Withrow High School and graduated in 1954. His band "The Charms" were formed at Withrow High, who went on to great heights, scoring 2 gold records and 9 hits, including "Hearts Made of Stone" and "Ivory Tower". Also along with their King label mates such as Hank Ballard, Little Willie John, the Mascots (later to become the famed O'Jays), the group worked with such artist as Count Basie, Diana Washington, Dizzie Gillespie, Johnny Mathis, Jackie Wilson, The Four Tops, Frankie Avalon, Frankie Valli and many more. Otis was a part of the first all-black Revue to work Carnegie Hall in NY w/the Allen Freed Revue. He wrote Pat Boone’s first popular hit record "Two Hearts Two Kisses", also recorded by Frank Sinatra and Dorris Day.

Otis still performs and does seminars both locally and abroad. Justin Jeffre, of 98 Degrees, is a staunch advocate of the importance of Otis & The Charms and King Records in music history. Otis and his son, Kent, also are working diligently (along with the City of Cincinnati and the University of Xavier) to preserve the rich history of King and educate the public throughout, specifically our youth! At present there is a major movement to save the original King Records bldg., which is at the top of the list on saving its rich heritage for us all.

See Otis Williams on youtube Hearts Made Of Stone and Ivory Tower

Scott WilliamsonScott Williamson will appear with Therapeutic Recreation for the Disabled (#118). In 1997,Oklahoma State’s pitcher Scott Williamson was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 9th round. Scott soared through the Reds Organization, going from Rookie Ball in 1997, to starting the next year in AA and finally ending up in AAA the same year. The following year, on April 5, 1999, Scott made his major league debut with the Cincinnati Reds. He was voted to the 1999 All Star Team, named 1999 Rookie of the Year, and finished the season with 12 wins, 19 saves, and era 2.41 as a relief pitcher. In 2003, Scott was traded to the Boston Red Sox and ended up setting Red Sox record for 3 saves in the ALCS. In 2004, Scott and the Red Sox went on to break the infamous 86 year curse of the Bambino, and to become 2004 World Series Champions. Scott went on to play for the Cubs, Padres, and Orioles. Scott’s passion for the game continues as he spends his time working with kids in the Greater Cincinnati area helping them develop there baseball and life skills. When presented with the opportunity to be involved in a Foundation that is named for man who meant so much to him as a player and a person, Joe Nuxhall Miracle League, Scott didn’t hesitate to jump aboard and portrayed the same excitement as if he was winning the World Series again. With all of his accomplishments and rewards that he earned in his career, none of them would even equal, the one of him being an instrumental part of one of the Miracle Leaguer lives. Scott continues to live in Cincinnati along with his wife Lisa, and children Reece and Cambrie.

 

Doug Flynn with batDoug Flynn will appear with Twin Towers Senior Living (#121). A native of Lexington, Kentucky, and a graduate of Bryan Station High School, Flynn was signed by the Cincinnati Reds as an amateur free agent. He made his Major League debut with Cincinnati in 1975. While with the Reds he picked up 2 World Series wins as a utility infielder. In 1977, he was traded by the Cincinnati Reds with Steve Henderson, Dan Norman and Pat Zachry to the New York Mets for Tom Seaver. While with the New York Mets, he primarily played Second Base and picked up a Golden Glove in 1980. He finished his career in 1985 after a short stint with the Detroit Tigers. Fun fact: During the 1981 baseball strike, Flynn traveled with the Oak Ridge Boys and sang on the tour with them.

 

 

 

 

Cincinnati MMA Fighters will appear with ColdIron Event Rentals entry (Position #137).

Kerry SchallRich Franklin - 3x UFC Champion and UFC Hall of Fame, Class of 2019 and current Vice President of ONE Championship, Asia’s largest martial arts promotion. A high school math teacher turned multiple-time MMA World Champion, Franklin is widely recognized as a pioneer who advanced the sport globally. In his illustrious 13-year career in the octagon, Franklin became the first man in UFC history to fight in four different countries. He headlined the organization's first ever live hit network cable show The Ultimate Fighter, and also captured the middleweight World Championship in 2005.

Khetag "The Lion" Pliev - originally from Russia, moved to the Cincinnati area as a child and later graduated from Lakota East High School. As a wrestler at Lakota East, Khetag won back-to-back State Championships in 2001 & 2002 and was named Ohio's Div 1 Most Outstanding Wrestler. He went back to Russia to visit his grandmother, but ended up stuck there. In 2005, he moved to Canada where he became a citizen. From 2008 to 2011, Khetag won four consecutive Canadian National Championships. In the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico, he won Bronze. In 2012, he went to the Olympics in London, but did not medal. He later returned to the US and in 2015, Khetag made his professional fighting debut, with a victory over Cristiano Silva. As of the end of 2022, he is 5-2-0. In 2021, Khetag went viral when during a fight verses Devin Goodale, his finger became detached (See article: https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/mma/14529093/olympian-khetag-pliev-finger...). It was reattached and he has since returned to fighting. Khetag also runs "Pliev International Wrestling Academy" at Lasalle High School on M & F 6:00 to 7:30.

Matt "The Hammer" Hamill - Matthew Hamill was born and raised in Loveland, OH. He is an American mixed martial artist and wrestler who has competed in the Light Heavyweight division of the UFC. He is an alum of Purdue University who transferred the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York. While attending RIT, he became a three-time NCAA Division National Champion in wrestling. Matt Hamill will always be remembered as the only fighter to have officially defeated Jon Jones. However, what's even more intriguing is the fact that Hamill was born deaf, the only UFC fighter to have stepped inside the octagon with that disability. He is a 3x Gold & a Silver medalist in the Deaflympics and was the subject of the movie: The Hammer https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1094666/

Kerry “Meat Truck” Schall, a pioneer in the Greater Cincinnati Mixed Martial Arts scene, known for his size and power, began fighting professionally in 1998 and competed against some of the world's greatest MMA Fighters throughout his career. He appeared in the second season of The Ultimate Fighter after being chosen as one of the top unsigned competitors in the country. Kerry also promoted over 75 local MMA events, over the course of his career, in the Cincinnati area giving hundreds of our local athletes an opportunity to compete in front of friends and family.

He is now the Director of Marketing for Glier’s Goetta and Coldiron Event Rentals and is active in promoting and coordinating many of our local festivals including Glier’s Goettafest, Great Inland Seafood Festival, and Bacon Bourbon and Brew as well as many others. Kerry is the proud husband of Mandy, father to Andrew, Lauren, Jordan, Madison, and Koa, and has 7 grandchildren.


Mason ParrisMason Parris will appear with Signarama (#146). 3x NCAA all American, Parris's is a Lawrenceburg native. Mason is a 3x Indiana State wrestling champ: 2016, 2017 & 2018 and a 2x FLO National Champion. During Parris's senior year at Michigan he was ranked #1 in heavyweight where he went 33-0. He went on to win the Big Ten Championship and the National Championship.

Parris completed his collegiate career with a 124-18 record, ranking 15th in Michigan program history in total wins and eighth with a .873 winning percentage. His 45 career pins rank third all-time.

 

 

 

Reds Rally PackWatch for The Scott's Reds Rally Pack and The Reds Mascots: Gapper, Rosie Red, Mr. Red and Mr. Redlegs! Rosie Red will be in position #20. The Rally pack with the Mascots will be in position #11.   The Scott's Reds Rally Pack has participated in the Opening Day Parade for the last 14 years.  At Great American Ball Park they are responsible for spreading joy, and free tee shirts, to fans throughout the season.