Steve Cofoid - Hononegah alumnus educator, former athletic director, club supporter

Cheerleaders sat on Kelsey Field during the 2025 Purple and Gold Festival, each holding 22 balloons in the school colors, signifying the life of a person who made a difference to everyone he came in contact with, in and outside of Rockton.

Family and friends listened with loving hearts as Purple and Gold Festival announcer Jeff Schelling paid tribute in memory of Steve Cofoid by saying, “ He was number 22 on the field, he was an alumnus, colleague, and lifelong resident.

Steve Cofoid passed away on April 2nd this year at the age of 60.

Steve was known as one of the kindest people, a loving husband to Terri for 33 years, devoted father to Adam and Kirsten, and proud grandfather to Sutton and Bennett.

A 1983 George Kelsey award recipient, he dedicated 19 years to Hononegah Community High School, serving as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director, before retiring last spring while battling dementia.

In high school, Steve was a standout three-sport athlete, setting a school football record with 11 interceptions as a senior in 1982. He also played basketball and baseball at HCHS.

He played baseball while attending Rock Valley College and at Aurora University.

Under his athletic leadership, Hononegah won the NIC-10 All-Sports trophy for 13 consecutive years.

Steve earned his PE degree in teaching, then went on to get his master's degree at National-Louis University in Administration (with a type 75 certificate)

He started his career at North Boone as a PE teacher, coached Varsity Football, and became the Athletic Director.

Cofoid worked as an assistant principal at Belvidere High School for four years before returning to his Alma mater as Assistant Principal, and then took over as Athletic Director in 2014.

Principal Chad Doughty described Steve as “a great educator, administrator, coach, and person through and through, fun-loving and caring, who always put relationships first.”

“Those who knew Steve remember his judgments, ability, and energy. Despite physical stature, he was gigantic when it came to energy, enthusiasm, athleticism, and confidence,” Schelling said.

“Even when declining, in interviews due to memory struggles, he'd worry about leaving others out, always thinking of others before himself.

Steve supported all students equally, from athletes to performers to arts programs, assuring that everyone had an opportunity to succeed.

His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched through his 30-year commitment to education and to the community.

Schelling added, “ I had the pleasure of knowing Steve for over 25 years, and every remark made by friends and colleagues truly captures who he was. In all of our conversations he never spoke once about his accomplishments,
It was always about living in the present and providing the best opportunities for the future. He poured his heart into his Alma Mater, assuring that every student had the same opportunities he did, treating each with fairness and respect. “

Schelling further reflected, “Steve understood that education extends beyond academics. While he enjoyed sports, he equally supported clubs, organizations, or performing arts programs because he recognized those were students' passions.

To Steve, success wasn't measured by wins on the field, but by how you treated classmates, faculty, and staff, and the life lessons that would ensure students' future success.

Schelling concluded by saying, “Steve, you will never be forgotten and always remembered.”

Schelling introduced HCHS Athletic Director Andrew Walters, who made a special announcement.
“Tonight we cement Steve's legacy at Hononegah Community High School as we honor his family and announce the formation of the Steve Cofoid Scholarship.”

Hononegah High School, with support from the Hononegah Booster Club, is thrilled to extend Steve's legacy to the next generation as he did for over 30 years. We are pleased to honor Steve and his family with this enduring scholarship.

Tonight, we announce the release of a “Friday Night Lights candle.”

All were encouraged to visit the Spirit Shack to purchase a candle, and the money from the purchase will be used to support the scholarship.

Booster Club President Nicole Roggenbuck warmly presented Steve's wife, Terri, with flowers.

All gave a standing ovation to the Cofoid family, accompanied by a nice round of applause.

Rounding out this meaningful dedication 22 purple and gold balloons were released in honor and with an esteemed remembrance.