MADISON, S.D. – Todd Payer was one of the key members of the Trojan football team that won four consecutive South Dakota football conference titles from 1975-78. This group finished with an astounding four-year record of 32 wins, 7 losses and 1 tie. He was a leader on a tenacious defensive line that dominated the SDIC football conference in the 1970's.

Payer will be joining with his teammate John Nyhaug at the 24th annual Dakota State University Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremony on June 1 at the Dakota Prairie Playhouse. Also being inducted into the Hall of Fame are Clay Amick, Bruce Johannes, Bill Nelson and members of the 1976 Dakota State College South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference Championship football team.

Payer was a standout on the defensive line for Dakota State. As an undersized defensive lineman, he utilized his quickness and strength to dominate his opponents. A little attitude, an aggressive nature, and a ton of talent were the perfect formula to be included as one of the many leaders on a four-year team that dominated on defense. He was a mainstay on a defensive line that was very stingy in giving up yardage.

Payer came to Dakota State College from Lake Andes. He was a member of the 1975 Trojan football team (under the direction of Hall of Famer head coach Joel Swisher) that went undefeated in their final five contests to claim a share of the title. The Trojans finished the year with an overall record of 6-3-1.

The following season, the Trojans improved their overall record to 8-2 with a No. 9 ranking in the final NAIA Division II national poll. The Trojans also earned their second straight share of the SDIC conference title. The defensive unit gave up an average of only 17.3 points per game.

When Payer was a junior, Dakota State completed their finest football season in school history by recording a perfect 10-0 record in 1977. Head coach Gary Buer guided the Trojans to their third consecutive SDIC conference title, and their fourth title in a span of five years.

In addition, Payer was an integral member of the "Blue" defense that led the nation in defense, allowing only 42 points in 10 games (the Trojans' defense recorded three shutouts in 1977 and only three times did they give up the most points allowed that year, seven points).

Payer was noted for his pass rush that led the 1978 Trojans' defensive effort. DSU allowed an average of only 12.4 points, 98 yards rushing and 108 passing years as the team went 8-2 overall under the guidance of Buer. The Trojans also clinched their fourth straight SDIC conference title with a perfect 6-0 record.

Payer was the only Trojan receiving unanimous support in the SDIC All-Conference balloting, done by the league coaches in 1978. He was named First Team All-Conference, and he received the NAIA District 12 First Team distinction as well as an NAIA Football All-American Honorable Mention.

He was voted by the team as the Co-Most Valuable Defensive Player along with Hall of Famer Russ Schwartz.

After his graduation from Dakota State College, Payer continued his education as he earned a master's degree in school administration. He worked in education for 17 years as a teacher, administrator, and coach. He then worked for Olson Oil for twenty years before his retirement.

Todd and his wife of 39 years, Norma, have two grown children – son Jeremy and daughter Jessica McLaughlin. They have five grandchildren. Todd and Norma currently reside in Lennox. He is working on his unfinished projects along with some fishing, hunting and sometimes golfing.