Maybe 30 really is the new 20. Because the Elgin Sports Hall of Fame Foundation keeps growing, prospering and getting stronger.
The non-profit organization held its 30th annual induction ceremony and banquet Sunday night at Villa Olivia where more than 200 attended to honor the city's best in athletics. Five more individuals were inducted into the ESHOF while 25 scholarship recipients and 20 outstanding achievement award winners were recognized.
(Karen Naess/For The Courier-News)
Among the five feted as new inductees was Corry (Carter) Irvin, who excelled in basketball at Larkin High School, graduating in 1992 as the Royals all-time leading scorer. She chose Fresno State as her next destination, mostly for the weather, and shined in California.
Carter Irvin's days at the Elgin Y prepared her for a playing career that was overdue for recognition in her hometown.
"I greatly miss my playing days," said Carter Irvin, whose sister, Katy, was a 2008 ESHOF inductee for softball. "That's what drives me to coaching."
Oh, she does that, too. And it's a sure bet she'll be taking the microphone, albeit reluctantly, in this setting again. Carter Irvin's Whitney Young girls hoops teams have collected four state trophies, including a championship in 2008.
Jim Perkins knows championships. But don't ask the former St. Edward boys golf coach and athletics director to brag about it. The understated Perkins guided the Green Wave to the 1981 Class A state title and brought home four other trophies, finishing second and third twice. Perkins also served as St. Edward AD from 1972-91.
"It's a great feeling," said Perkins, also a member of the St. Edward and Illinois Golf Coaches Association Halls of Fame, "being honored for something you enjoy doing."
Julie (Kovacs) Fisher enjoyed volleyball. So much so that she dedicated herself full-time to the sport and excelled like few others at Larkin. Kovacs Fisher was "a revelation" who showed great leadership and drive to best the best, according to her coach at Larkin, Mary O'Brien.
Kovacs Fisher is the third member of her family to be inducted into the ESHOF. Her late father, "Pete" Kovacs, was inducted in 1986 for basketball. Her sister, Amy (Kovacs) Young, was inducted in 2004 for gymnastics. Her dad "was her biggest fan."
Mike Coyle's parents had to be told about their son's exploits. That's the word on the 1967 Larkin graduate who excelled at track for the Royals. The team never lost a dual or triangular meet during his career. And his late father and mother didn't know about it until informed that they should go watch the speedy Royal who placed fourth in state in the 440-yard dash. Injuries cut short his career at Indiana University.
Lauded as a great teammate, Coyle recalled running on Larkin's cinder track and ended his speech by suggesting that ESHOF nominee Al Lettow should join him as an inductee.
The winningest football coach in Elgin High School history exhibited the Maroons colors. Dick Stephens concluded the inductee program by donning an EHS cap and jacket while delivering a detailed speech that spanned his career, which is approaching 50 seasons.
Stephens won 90 games during two tenures as EHS sideline boss. He is a member of the Michigan High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame.
Bill Lauderdale and Bill Vincent shared the Vic Masi Service Award for their contributions to the Elgin Teener Babe Ruth Baseball program and Trout Park baseball facility.
Outgoing ESHOF President Ron Lange concluded the evening in his usual professional manner. Lange, a staunch supporter of Elgin athletics and a tireless worker, will be missed in his current role. The organization benefits greatly from his service.
The ESHOF, which awarded a single $500 scholarship in 1980, provided $25,000 this year.
Yes, the organization has blossomed a bit in its 30 years.