Jim Hoffmann '96, a former UW-Eau Claire football player, visits the Blugold football office with his parents,Gordy Hoffmann '66, also a former player, and Lynda Hoffmann '6.

A family affair

Father and son, Gordy and Jim Hoffmann, both share a history of playing Blugold football and both continue to support the football program at UW-Eau Claire by participating in the initiative to increase significantly the Kell Football Endowment fund. In fact, the entire Hoffmann family attended UW-Eau Claire and continues to root for the Blugolds.

"It was a family decision to make a $50,000 gift to support the John Kell Football fund through the Foundation's fundraising initiative," said Gordy Hoffmann.

Gordy and Jim Hoffmann also have donated their time to support the effort.

"They've put in lots of time to help us track down former players and make
them aware of our current needs," said UW-Eau Claire football head coach Todd Glaser.

Gordy Hoffmann was a defensive end for UW-Eau Claire. He graduated in 1966 from UW-Eau Claire with a bachelor of science degree in mathematics and a minor in chemistry. He also received a degree in business administration from the University of Minnesota in 1974. A successful businessman, Gordy Hoffmann and his daughter, Andi Hoffmann, who graduated from UW-Eau Claire in 1994, are partners in the financial planning office Hoffmann, Hoffmann and Gebhard.

Jim Hoffmann played with the Blugolds from 1993-96 as a wide receiver and quarterback and was all-conference his junior and senior years. He received a bachelor of science degree in physical education in 1996 from UW-Eau Claire and a master of education degree in kinesiology in 1997 from the University of Minnesota. He currently is a pharmaceutical sales representative living in St. Paul.

Gordy's wife, Lynda Hoffmann, received a bachelor of science degree from UW-Eau Claire in elementary education in 1963, taught elementary school for seven years and is a grandmother of six grandchildren. Jennifer Hoffmann Rudh, another daughter of Gordy and Lynda, also attended UW-Eau Claire. She currently is teaching in the Oakdale Minnesota School District.

It's time UW-Eau Claire was able to compete more effectively against teams like UW-Whitewater, but more funding is necessary to make that happen, Gordy Hoffmann said.

"I believe we are on the verge of being great," he said. "The team is looking good, and we need to provide the support that will let them become national champions."