Cyprian F. Vespe, known as Chip, has devoted decades to the sport of wrestling, leaving a lasting impact as an official, coach, mentor, and community leader in Nevada. His journey began in New Jersey, where he served as a youth wrestling coach and official at West Deptford Youth Wrestling from 1970 to 1979, instilling discipline, fairness, and sportsmanship in young athletes In 1980, Chip brought his expertise to Southern Nevada, officiating local and state wrestling tournaments through 2004. He also served as Rules Interpreter (1981‑1984) and Wrestling Assigner (1985‑2004) with the Southern Nevada Officials Association, roles in which he ensured the smooth and fair conduct of competitions while supporting the growth of wrestling across the state. His leadership and commitment created a strong foundation for scholastic wrestling in Nevada, shaping generations of athletes and officials.

Beyond the mat, Chip’s dedication extended into education. He served as an Instructional Assistant (1980‑1991) and Adapted Physical Education Specialist (1994‑2014) with the Clark County School District, developing inclusive programs for K‑5 students and collaborating with teachers and administrators to support safe and effective instruction. His work empowered students of all abilities, fostering leadership, teamwork, and confidence, values at the core of wrestling.

Chip also demonstrated exceptional organizational leadership in the broader community, serving as Operations Manager for Las Vegas Triple‑A Baseball (1990‑2018) and Ballpark Support Manager for the Las Vegas Aviators (2018‑2024). In these roles, he managed staff, coordinated large events, and ensured a positive experience for athletes, fans, and the public, extending his mentorship and leadership beyond wrestling into the community at large.

For decades, Chip Vespe has exemplified dedication, integrity, and service, making wrestling accessible, fair, and inspiring for young athletes throughout Nevada. His impact as an official, coach, educator, and mentor reflects the highest values of the sport. It is for these extraordinary contributions that he is rightfully honored with the Lifetime Service Award from the Nevada Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.