Vic Masi Award

The Vic Masi Award is given and presented by the Elgin Sports Hall of Fame Foundation Board of Directors. This award is a special way of recognizing those who have contributed to the Elgin Sports Hall of Fame, to athletics and sports in the city of Elgin, and/or to an Elgin school or schools.

It is a truly special recognition award for those who have served behind the scenes or at the forefront of athletics in Elgin. Thus, the Victor M. Masi Outstanding Service Award will be presented by the Elgin Sports Hall of Fame Foundation Board of Directors to a person or organization that has made a significant, long-lasting contribution to the Hall of Fame, the City of Elgin, or its schools. In selecting recipients, voluntary service will be one of the major considerations.

Michael Ledbetter – 2022 Victor Masi Service Award Recipient

Michael Ledbetter is the 2022 recipient of the Victor Masi Service Award for his work in youth sports. He served as a coach for both boys and girls teams starting at t-ball up through senior and big league girls’ levels in the National Little League for 20 years. Michael also coached in the Elgin youth football Pee Wee/Pop Warner program for 16 years. As a volunteer in youth basketball, he worked with kids at the Salvation Army for six years, the City of Elgin program and at Elgin Academy. He has also coached Elgin High football for 13 years and track for 10 years.

Patrick Sharpe is the 2021 recipient of the Victor Masi Service Award for his work with youth football. Pat served as president of the Elgin Pee Wee/Pop Warner youth football program from 1976 – 1988.  He was instrumental in bringing the Pop Warner system that evenly matched age and weight of boys in the program.

During this time, Sharpe worked to develop Ducky Drake Field by adding a new scoreboard and acquiring the former locker room and turning it into a concession stand.  Pat added new helmets and body vests for all players for added protection and also added pom squads to involve more girls in the cheerleading program.  In addition, he worked with high school coaches Ray Haley and Ron Ellett to develop feeder programs to the high schools.

Later, he became the Midwest regional manager for Pop Warner football to cover a five-state region and develop a “Little Scholar” program to include academics with football/cheerleading.