Pop Warner Little Scholars, the nation’s leading youth football and cheer & dance organization, today announced the inaugural class into its new Pop Warner National Hall of Fame, a new program recognizing the extraordinary volunteers whose decades of service have shaped and sustained the organization’s mission to inspire young people through teamwork, dedication and community.
The Class of 2026 features 15 remarkable individuals whose collective service spans more than 700 years of volunteerism across the country. From league founders and regional directors to coaches, referees and board members, each honoree embodies the spirit of Pop Warner: giving selflessly to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow and play the game they love in a safe, supportive environment.
As Pop Warner approaches its 100th anniversary, the organization continues to honor the legacy of service that has fueled its growth for nearly a century. Since its founding, hundreds of thousands of volunteers have given their time to help young athletes learn the values of teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship. Their collective efforts have built a foundation that has touched millions of lives and continues to strengthen communities across the country.
“These men and women represent the heart of Pop Warner,” said Steve Strawbridge, Pop Warner CEO. “They have given countless hours to make a difference in their communities and in the lives of thousands of young athletes. Their leadership, humility, and love of the game are what make Pop Warner so special. We’re proud to honor their legacies through the Pop Warner Hall of Fame.”
Inaugural Pop Warner Hall of Fame Class
BOB CAMACHO – Santa Cruz, CA
51 years of service with Santa Cruz Pop Warner as Coach, Board Member, President, Treasurer and League Commissioner. Recognized as Pacific Northwest and National Volunteer of the Year.
CRAIG CONNELLY – Santa Clara, CA (Posthumous)
60 years with the Santa Clara Lions and Peninsula Pop Warner League, serving as President, Coach, Rules Director and more. A fixture at regional events and mentor to generations of volunteers.
DENNIS CONNORS – Jacksonville, FL
46 years of service across every level of Pop Warner; former Region Director and National Volunteer of the Year. Now serves as Region Operations Specialist on the National Staff.
HARRY HARRINGTON – Staatsburg, NY
46 years of service as Coach, Referee, and League President; current Eastern Region Director and longtime National Football Commissioner at Championships.
KEN JEFFORDS – Jacksonville, FL
61 years of service, from Coach to Region Football Commissioner. Recognized as National Volunteer of the Year and SE Region Hall of Famer, known for encyclopedic knowledge of Pop Warner rules and history.
PATTI KIRKWOOD – Hoffman Estates, IL
45-year contributor across cheer, dance, and scholastics; now serving as RCDC for the Mid America Region.
JERRY “UNCLE JERRY” NEUMANN – Honolulu, HI (Posthumous)
50 years with Oahu Pop Warner, including 47 as League President. Beloved mentor and regional leader in the Wescon Region.
AL PERILLO – Everett, MA
53 years of service in the New England Region, including 26 years as Region Director. Continues to advise and mentor regional leadership.
BILLY STUART – Garner, NC
60-year volunteer and founding member of the Consolidated Football Federation. Still active at age 86 with Garner Pop Warner, where the football building bears his name.
LARRY SYLVESTER – Orlando, FL
33 years with Mid Florida Pop Warner, serving as League President and Vice Region Director. Recognized for growing one of the Southeast Region’s largest leagues.
MIKE TATUM – Jacksonville, FL
45 years of service as League Treasurer and Region Audit Chair. SE Region Hall of Famer and National Volunteer of the Year, known for tireless dedication to league and region events.
WALT WEST – Sun Lakes, AZ
33-year veteran and early Wescon Region Director. Charter member of the National Rules Committee and frequent National Scholastic Banquet speaker.
LEROY WILLIS – Dallas-Fort Worth, TX (Posthumous)
46-year volunteer and Region Football Commissioner remembered for his devotion to players and coaches across the Southwest Region.
RICHARD WOODS – Gary, IN
Rebuilt the Pop Warner program in Gary in the 1980s and served more than five decades. Known as “Mr. Pop Warner” for his lifelong impact on local youth.
RICKY WRIGHT – Middleburg, FL
37-year volunteer and current Southeast Region Director. Founding member of the Putnam Athletic League and SE Region Hall of Famer.
Selections were made by the National Honors Committee, which includes one representative from each region and a representative from the National Office serving as Chair. To be eligible, inductees must have served in multiple levels within the organization over a minimum of 30 years of service, with special exemption for nominees who have made a substantial positive impact.
The inaugural class will be formally inducted during a ceremony in conjunction with the All-American Scholar Banquet on March 21, 2026, in Chicago.