Joe Moore Award Hall of Fame
Bill Vorsheck and his wife Betsy have long stood as pillars of support for the Joe Moore Award, offering not only their resources but also their time, energy, and unwavering belief in its mission. Their generosity and dedication have helped elevate the award to its national prominence, making it a true reflection of the values Joe Moore held dear—teamwork, grit, and unselfishness. The Vorshecks’ involvement goes far beyond philanthropy; they’ve become a part of the award’s heart and soul, embodying the same spirit of humility and commitment that Joe Moore inspired in so many.
Bill Vorsheck wasn’t just a supporter of Joe Moore’s legacy—he was one of Joe’s closest friends. Their bond was one forged in mutual respect, shared principles, and countless moments of camaraderie over the years. Joe admired Bill for his integrity and generosity, while Bill held deep appreciation for Joe’s passion for coaching and shaping young lives. Together with Betsy, Bill helped champion Joe’s legacy in a way that has touched countless players, coaches, and families. Their friendship, rooted in loyalty and shared purpose, continues to live on through the Hall of Fame and the enduring spirit of the Joe Moore Award.
Jerry McKenna – Trophy Artist
The Joe Moore Award trophy—the largest in college football at 6 feet tall and 800 pounds—was brought to life by legendary sculptor Jerry McKenna, whose work includes Notre Dame’s iconic Four Horsemen and Lou Holtz statues.
Jerry played a pivotal role in the early formation of the award. When founder Aaron Taylor began exploring how to bring the Joe Moore Award to life, the trophy was the natural place to start. A few alumni connections led him to Jerry—a proud Notre Dame man and one of the most respected sports sculptors in the world.
At first, Jerry politely declined. He was too busy. But the next morning, Aaron woke up to an email—Jerry hadn’t slept. After some encouragement from his wife, Gail, and maybe a whisper from the football gods, he changed his mind. Not only did he take on the project, he powered through an eye surgery midstream and helped deliver what would become the largest and fastest-turned-around trophy of its kind in the foundry’s combined 80 years of experience.
That moment captured the spirit of what this award has become: unexpected turns, unlikely connections, and good people catching the vision of what it means to honor the group over the individual.
Left to right: Jerry, Aaron, Elizabeth, Bill