Knox College Athletics

William “Hoppy” Boyd graduated from Knox in 1961. During the course of his college athletic career, he won nine letters which was the maximum number possible since freshmen were ineligible then for varsity competition. He was captain of both the swimming track team

 William “Hoppy” Boyd graduated from Knox in 1961. During the course of his college athletic career, he won nine letters which was the maximum number possible since freshmen were ineligible then for varsity competition. He was captain of both the swimming track teams during his junior and senior years.

 Bill was a remarkably fast half back on the Knox football team and was an All-conference selection following his junior and senior seasons. He’s also remembered as one of the best punters in Knox history and lead the nation at small college as a punter his senior year. Over the course of three seasons he placed in at least two events in both track and swimming at the Midwest Conference championship meets. “He was, “says his good friend Jim Valentine, “the best all around athlete during out four years together at Knox.” Bill is fondly remembered by his coaches and teammates at Knox as a humble and selfless competitor. During his undergraduate years at Knox he was actively involved in a variety of campus activities. Bill was elected president of the K-Club, was vice president of his fraternity, Beta Theta Phi, and was also selected as a Friar. By the time Bill graduated he had been awarded nine varsity letters in three different sports.

 Bill was fortunate to continue his athletic career after leaving college. He was starting short stop for the U.S Army Brigade baseball team during the 13-month tour in Korea and was to the All- Division team. He was chosen to play with the 7th Division football team where he was a starting half back and cornerback on defense. This 7th Division team went undefeated and won the Pacific Championship. Most of his teammates on this squad were former Divisions I players from schools like Stanford, Indiana, and Oklahoma.

 Bill is married to Ellen Long Boyd, Knox class of 1955 and they currently reside in Lafayette, California. Bill is retired after a long and successful career with International Wall Coverings and now limits his athletic endeavors to the game of golf. It is a pleasure to welcome William H. Boyd into the Knox-Lombard Hall of Fame.