University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire

Jay Hoyord was one of the most active defensive backs to play for the Blugolds. After redshirting in 1997, he played every game for the next four seasons, totaling 324 tackles in 43 contests including 13 behind the line of scrimmage. He broke up 40 passes, intercepted 14 passes, forced three fumbles and recovered five fumbles. He once was credited with a TD on a blocked punt in the end zone. He also scored touchdowns on an 81-yard interception return and a 78-yard fumble return. Hoyord played regularly as a freshman on the Blugolds’ 1998 NCAA playoff team. He was also an All-Conference First Team performer on the Blugolds’ 2001 conference championship team after earning All-Conference Second Team honors during his sophomore and junior seasons. Hoyord led the team in tackles in both 2000 and 2001. His senior season, he was also recognized as a Hewlett-Packard Second Team All-American and a Football Gazette Third Team All-American. A two-time team captain and defensive MVP as a senior, Hoyord was the first Blugold ever selected for the Aztec Bowl, a battle of Division III All-Stars from the United States against a Mexican National Team in Mexico. He blocked a punt in the 2001 game won by the U.S.

Hoyord was a four-sport standout at Iola-Scandinavia as he earned All-Conference honors in football and basketball and was a state long jump champ in track. After graduating from UWEC in December, 2001, he spent almost four years in Middleton with Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.  At the time of his induction, he had worked for Sentry Insurance in Stevens Point since 2005 and was the Director of Data Services. Hoyord has been active in the Iola-Scandinavia Recreation Association and the I-S Pee Wee Athletics. He has served as a baseball coach, basketball coach, soccer coach, flag football coordinator and head coach, Vice President of the Pee Wee Athletics Board and youth tackle football head coach.