We need more people in the Beltway Boxing community like Tracy Thorpe. Yes, we have so many people who care about our young boxers. However, Tracy cared enough to not let them get away with anything.
Whether she was in the ring as a referee or outside the ring as a judge or as an administrator, Tracy defined the term "no-nonsense" during her 17 years with the South Atlantic Association of USA Boxing. She was a true leader in every sense of the word. Nothing got past her and no matter how hectic things got, she never got rattled and she always kept the boxers first.
Tracy was a lifetime member of Ring 101 and the first woman and African-American to receive the organization's Harry Jaffra award for meritorious service. That was an example of the type of leader and person she was.
Tracy suffered a stroke in September of 2012 and, being the fighter she was, she battled. In July of 2013 at a card at Coppin State University, Tracy made an appearance and looked wonderful. This picture has her alongside Calvin Ford. That was my last time having an opportunity to talk to her and I was proud of the way she fought back.
Eventually, however, Tracy lost her battle this past Friday on what would have been her 64th birthday. Tracy's memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 18 at:
First Baptist Church of Guilford
7504 Oakland Mills Road
Columbia, MD
The service will begin at 9:30 AM.
Thank you for everything, Tracy. You will truly be missed.
No comments:
Post a Comment