Bill A. Royce played at Ashland from 1990-93. He earned First Team All-America honors in 1993 and Third Team All-America laurels in 1992. He was the MIFC Player of the Year in 1993 and the MIFC Defensive Player of the Year in 1992 and 1993. A two-time Harlon Hill Trophy candidate and a defensive end, he finished his career with 71 quarterback sacks, the highest total at any level of NCAA football. The Eagles were 33-10-1 during his career. Royce was the first MIFC/GLIAC player inducted into the Hall of Fame.