Promoting high school athletics through coaches, athletes, and families.
Football coaches know the strongest teams aren’t built on talent alone. They’re built on connection. When athletes are seen as people first, coaches become mentors, families become the support system, and the game becomes a lifelong teacher of purpose, sacrifice, character, and resilience.
Our Foundation
The John and Judy Elder Foundation
The John and Judy Elder Foundation was created to strengthen high school athletic programs by supporting the people at the heart of them—coaches, athletes, and families. Rooted in decades of involvement and leadership in athletics, our work continues the Elder family mission to build character, opportunity, and community through sport.
We support:
Coaches: Elevating leaders who shape athletes’ lives.
Athletes: Encouraging growth, resilience, and opportunity.
Families: Supporting the vital role families play in athletic success.
About John K. Elder
John K. Elder is a Hall of Fame coach with the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association and a true pillar of west-central Illinois athletics. He dedicated decades to Alexis High School, serving as head coach, principal, and superintendent, and helped lead the Cardinals to a 1974 Class 2A state runner-up finish.
John K. was deeply involved in the Illinois Football Coaches Association and the Shriners Game, and he played a meaningful role in the early development of Illinois high school football playoffs. He is also a member of the National High School Coaches Hall of Fame as well as the Ray Eliot Award recipient.
About Judy Elder
Judy Elder, wife of Hall of Fame Coach John K. Elder, was the ultimate coach’s spouse and an integral part of Alexis Cardinals football. Guided by faith, she cheered on Friday nights, baked her famous cookies, organized team activities, managed a busy family of seven, and quietly supported John with insight and encouragement. Judy took pride in every Cardinal success and made sure each child found their place on the field, in the band, as a cheerleader, or school mascot.
Judy passed away in January 2024. The Elder family hopes The Judy Elder Award honors her legacy and reminds coaches of the vital role their spouses play. Judy was a co-coach in every sense, offering unwavering support as John taught young men along with their families about football and life.