“I am excited to announce that Hugh McCutcheon will ride the City of Anaheim’s float in the 2009 Rose Parade,” said Mayor Pringle.  “In 2006 the U.S. Men’s Volleyball team moved their training headquarters to Anaheim, and the team has given Anaheim another source of civic pride.  Hugh led the team to the gold medal at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, and Anaheim celebrated with and for him and the team.  We couldn’t be more pleased to have him represent Anaheim to the millions of viewers worldwide.”

“This is quite an honor, and will be a tremendous way to start the new year,” said McCutcheon.  “Anaheim is like home for me, so I am looking forward to representing the city on its float.  I am grateful to Mayor Pringle for the consideration, and I look forward to seeing everyone on Jan. 1.”

The team’s move to Anaheim had many benefits, including removing the effects of Colorado's high altitude on the team's serves.  The team, currently ranked second in the world, has been embraced by the local community, as seen through local sponsorships and community involvement.

In Anaheim’s float entry for 2009, viewers can expect another display of creative design, floral craftsmanship, thematic interpretation and floral and color presentation.  For decades, Anaheim has created an ideal environment for residents, businesses and visitors to enjoy, and with that, world class entertainment has become an influential element to the Anaheim landscape. “Crank up the Entertainment” shines the spotlight on Anaheim and the bevy of entertainment venues that more than 345,000 residents and millions of visitors enjoy every year.

In 2007, Anaheim was awarded the Mayor’s Trophy for outstanding city entry, and in 2008, the Governor’s Trophy for best depiction of life in California.  The 2009 float is Anaheim’s 16th entry in the history of the Rose Parade.

McCutcheon, himself a visitor to 39 countries and four continents, will be a recognized figure on Anaheim’s float.  Under his guidance, the U.S. enjoyed one of its best seasons ever in 2008. In four years with the U.S. Men’s National Team program, McCutcheon compiled a 107-33 record.  Less than four months after leading the U.S. Men's Olympic Volleyball Team to a 2008 gold medal, McCutcheon accepted the head coach position of the U.S. Women's National Team for the 2009-2012 Olympic quadrennial, USA Volleyball Chief Executive Officer Doug Beal announced on Dec. 15, 2008.

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ABOUT ANAHEIM - The City of Anaheim, founded in 1857, is one of the nation's premier municipalities and is California's 10th most populous city. Anaheim covers 50 square miles with more than 345,500 residents and more than 3,200 City employees. The municipal corporation's annual budget is $1.4 billion. Anaheim supports a thriving business community with companies such as Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc., L-3 Communications, Pacific Sunwear, and Disneyland Resort. Successful sports franchises call Anaheim home, including Angels Baseball, Anaheim Ducks, the 2008 Olympic Gold Medal winning U.S. Men's National Volleyball Team, and the 2008 Olympic Silver Medal winning U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team. Anaheim also boasts world-class meeting and entertainment venues with the Anaheim Convention Center, the largest on the west coast, Honda Center, The Grove of Anaheim, The Shops at Anaheim GardenWalk, and Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Annually, Anaheim welcomes millions of visitors to the city, truly making it where the world comes to live, work and play. For more information, please visit www.anaheim.net.