Sherriedale Morgan (1934–2009) was a decorated Army veteran, championship boxing coach, and one of Wilmington’s most influential community leaders.
Born in Genesee, Michigan, Morgan began boxing in 1947 and won an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Championship title in 1952. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1954, serving 22 years as an infantry platoon sergeant with the 82nd Airborne Division and earning the distinction of Master Paratrooper. While stationed at Fort Bragg, he won the Army Championship boxing title and later served as the Army boxing team’s coach.
Upon retiring from the military in 1974, Morgan was recruited by the City of Wilmington to develop its boxing program. He transformed the old Brooklyn Firehouse into what became the Wilmington Boxing Center, building a program known for competitive excellence, mentorship, and community impact.
Over the course of his career, Coach Morgan developed numerous champions, including North Carolina’s first female national boxing champion, 1999 U.S. Golden Gloves Champion Deidre Fabin, and professional heavyweight Donnell Holmes (31-1-2). He also led international competition teams, including the 1987 USA vs. England Olympic team and the 2000 USA Women’s Team vs. Canada.
In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, the City of Wilmington renamed the facility the Sherriedale Morgan Boxing and Fitness Center in 2002. He was inducted into the Carolina Boxing Hall of Fame, the Greater Flint African American Hall of Fame, and the Greater Wilmington Sports Hall of Fame.
Beyond boxing, Coach Morgan dedicated 26 years to working with mentally and physically challenged individuals and mentoring youth through the Summer Youth Employment Program.
His legacy continues to shape our mission today. In Wilmington, boxing — and community mentorship — cannot be mentioned without the name Coach Sherriedale Morgan.