The Bison Athletics
Hall of Fame Class of 2021
Leroy Hofer (1930-2021)
In 1965, LeRoy Hofer moved his family from Rapid City to Hot Springs. Shortly after his arrival, he took over a struggling National Bank of South Dakota branch and transformed it into a thriving institution in under a year.
But LeRoy’s greatest impact reached far beyond banking.
Champion for the Hot Springs Community
Once settled, LeRoy became deeply involved in community efforts—investing countless hours and personal resources into making Hot Springs a stronger, more vibrant place. His commitment extended to local schools, where he became a driving force behind improved programs, opportunities, and student experiences at Hot Springs High School.
Founder of the Quarterback Club
LeRoy created the Quarterback Club, a weekly Saturday-morning gathering during the school year at the Char-Chief restaurant. At each meeting, Hot Springs coaches shared updates on the previous week’s games and upcoming events.
The Quarterback Club quickly became an essential supporter of student-athletes. Under LeRoy’s leadership, the club helped fund:
Weight-training equipment
Pep buses
Uniform and equipment upgrades
Athlete travel and summer camp opportunities
When the need for a new weight machine arose, the bank—under LeRoy’s direction—issued an interest-free loan to make it possible. Fundraising events such as chili feeds and fishing tournaments were then organized to pay it off.
A Relentless Advocate for Students
Once Coach Larry Ireland joined the program, LeRoy frequently asked him a simple question: “What do you need?”—and then made sure those needs were met.
His generosity extended to all school activities. Whenever a coach, director, or advisor sought help, LeRoy never hesitated. Through the bank, he supported countless clubs, programs, and opportunities that shaped the lives of hundreds of Hot Springs students.
A Legacy Continued
LeRoy’s dedication to Hot Springs High School and the surrounding community created lasting improvements that are still felt today. His influence helped generations of student-athletes and students succeed both on and off the field.
LeRoy now joins his two sons, Preston and Quinten, who were inducted into the inaugural 2016 Hall of Fame—cementing the Hofer family’s enduring legacy in Hot Springs.
James Kocer
Athletic Achievements
Varsity Letters
Football: 4 years
Basketball: Sophomore, Junior, Senior
Track & Field: Sophomore, Junior
Senior year missed due to ACL injury sustained in the final football game of the season
Athlete of the Year: Senior year
Football
Positions:
Tailback — Single Wing Formation (shotgun, direct snap to tailback)
Safety on defense
Captain: Senior year
Black Hills All-Conference Halfback: Junior & Senior years
Black Hills All-Conference Scoring Title: Senior year
Missed title by 1 point as a junior
All-State Honors:
All-State Quarterback — Junior year
All-State Halfback — Senior year
College Recruitment:
Earned a full scholarship to the University of Wyoming
Suffered a complete ACL tear as a freshman
Basketball
Captain: Senior year
Black Hills All-Conference: Senior year
Track & Field
Competed in the 220, 440, and 880 relay teams
Service, Awards & Activities
National Honor Society — Senior year
Recognized for scholarship, character, leadership, and service
Boys State — Junior year
Selected by the American Legion for patriotism, honor, loyalty, leadership, and character
Student Council: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior years
H Club: All four years
R.O.K. Literature Club — Senior year
Focused on great works of ancient and modern authors
Latin Club — Freshman year
Kathleen Schjodt
A standout member of the Class of 2006, Kathleen Schjodt enters the Hot Springs Bison Athletics Hall of Fame as an exceptional student and multi-sport athlete who excelled in basketball, volleyball, and track & field.
Basketball Excellence
Kathleen capped her high school basketball career with 1,211 total points, leading the Lady Bison to winning records in both her junior and senior seasons. Her accomplishments include:
Five-year varsity letter winner
Three-time Team MVP
Four-time All–Black Hills Conference selection
West River Tournament MVP as a senior
Volleyball Achievements
On the volleyball court, Kathleen was a dominant middle hitter, helping extend Hot Springs’ impressive streak of State Tournament appearances for four additional years. Her volleyball honors include:
Four-year varsity letter winner
Two-time Team MVP
Three-time All–Black Hills Conference selection
Three-time All-State Team honoree
Academic Distinction
While Kathleen’s athletic success was remarkable, her academic achievements were equally exceptional. She graduated with a 4.0 GPA as class valedictorian and earned numerous academic awards, including:
Elite 15 Award, recognizing the top 15 female student-athletes in South Dakota for excellence in athletics, leadership, scholarship, and community service
Four-year Black Hills Conference Academic Letter
Academic All-State honoree
Governor’s Recognition of Academic Excellence
Division I Collegiate Athlete
After graduating from Hot Springs High School, Kathleen attended the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, competing at the Division I level in the Mountain West Conference.
Played in every game as a junior as a top reserve
Became a full-time starter and team captain her senior year
Kathleen majored in Aeronautical Engineering, graduating in the top 10% of the Class of 2010. She was also a:
Four-time Mountain West Conference Scholar-Athlete
Two-time Academic All–Mountain West Conference recipient
Professional Achievement
Following her undergraduate degree, Kathleen earned a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from Rice University. She served nearly nine years in the United States Air Force, contributing to satellite programs, flight-test missions, and aircraft production initiatives.
Today, Kathleen continues her work in aerospace advancement as a Senior Project Manager at Blue Origin, where she contributes to the company’s orbital launch vehicle program, New Glenn, in the Seattle area.