By Jeff Bugher
8/20/2024
Laramie, Wyo. — Place-kicker John Hoyland, known as “Red Shoe” for his signature red cleats, is entering his final season at the University of Wyoming and is eager to make the most of it. The 5-foot-10, 200-pound senior has had an impressive career so far, and as he prepares for his last year, Hoyland shared his thoughts on his journey, challenges, and what lies ahead.
During our interview we spoke about the 2023 season, Hoyland discussed a particularly challenging game against Air Force, where he faced some difficulties. “Not really,” Hoyland responded when asked if an injury affected his performance. “I just think I was a little slow in the hips, and I think I was somewhat overworking myself just a little bit. So this season, I'm just going to go in with a focus of just kind of preserving myself a little bit more and being smarter about how I carry myself throughout the season.”
As he prepares for his final season, Hoyland is focused on enjoying the game rather than setting specific goals. “I just want to go out there and just have as much fun as possible. Soak it all in for one more time because there's not any Cowboy football left for me after this, so I'm just excited to get out there one last time with the guys and just have fun.”
Hoyland said he had never thought about a future in the NFL when he arrived on campus, but his success on the field made him consider the possibility. “I never came in with the idea of doing it, but I think I've kind of shown that I can do it. So, after this year, I’ll give it a go. I’ll give it a year and see how I do.”
The most significant news from our interview was the “changing of the guard” regarding Hoyland's signature footwear—specifically, his red cleat. “I had a cleat I practiced with before, and the only kind they had here was red. So I just liked that kind of cleat. So I just went with it and kept wearing it,” he explained. Unfortunately for fans of the red shoe, it’s been retired. “No, I'm wearing all-white cleats now,” Hoyland confirmed. Hoyland told us Adidas no longer makes the red cleat. Although the news is much to the dismay of the fans, the nickname and legend of “Red Shoe” will likely stick regardless.
Wyoming likely has the highest-paid kicking coach in all of the NCAA. Craig Bohl was Hoyland’s kicking coach until his retirement at the end of the 2023 season. Now, first-year head coach Jay Sawvel has taken the role of kicking coach. “Yeah, Sawvel stepped in, he's done well. He's listened to pretty much everything that I've told him that works for us. A lot of it is self-coaching, but Sawvel also has some expertise with what you need to see from us kickers.” Here’s what Jay Sawvel had to say about Hoyland: “John is a consistent person with ice in his veins. He’s very calm about what he does and has always performed well under pressure.”
The current all-time scoring leader for the Cowboys is place-kicker Cooper Rothe, who holds the record at 342 points. John Hoyland currently has a tally of 296 points,.. and he still has one season left to score 47 points to reach the record. Yet, he remains focused on the team rather than personal accolades when asked about the possible eclipse of Rothe’s record. “Actually, not really. I never really thought about it until some guys brought it up here. I think records are cool, but you never really have to think about them. You can look back at them at the end of your career, but right now, it's just about making as many kicks as I can and helping where it needs.”
Looking ahead to this season, Hoyland said he and his teammates have their eyes set on one particular game: “I think everyone in the locker room wants to get that Boise game. I think that's kind of the monkey on our back right now.”
For now, Hoyland is on the eve of his final ride with the Cowboys, there’s no doubt he’s primed to go out on the record books for the Pokes. Regardless of his shoe color, he will always be “Red Shoe” in the eyes of all Cowboy fans across the country.
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