Legacy
April 2 and 3, 1987 meeting, Board of Trustees
RESOLVED, That the Board adopt the following Resolutions in memoriam and that the President be requested to convey a copy to the families of the deceased.
Wayne Woodrow Hayes
The Board of Trustees of The Ohio State University expresses its deep sorrow upon the death on March 12, 1987, of W.W. “Woody” Hayes, former head football coach and beloved member of the University family.
Coach Hayes was born on February 14, 1913, in Clifton, Ohio, He attended Denison University where he majored in English and History, played tackle on the football team and was an outfielder on the baseball team. He was graduated in 1935. Hayes received a Master of Arts degree in Education Administration at Ohio State in 1948.
Woody Hayes accepted his first coaching job as an Assistant Coach at Mingo Junction High School in Ohio, in 1935. He took a Head Coach position in 1938 at New Philadelphia High School in New Philadelphia, Ohio. Hayes spent five years in the Navy during World War II, finishing his military career as a highly decorated Lieutenant Commander before accepting the position of Head Coach of the Denison University football team in 1946. He coached at Denison for three years and then coached at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, for two years. In 1951 Coach Hayes began his career at The Ohio State University, having been selected ahead of Coach Paul Brown of the Cleveland Browns football team. He ended his coaching career at Ohio State University in 1978.
As the coach of the Buckeyes, Woody Hayes developed an impressive record of success by every measurement. His teams won 205 games between 1951 and 1978 with a Big Ten record of 152-37-7. His teams were winners of 5 post-season bowls, 13 Big Ten championships and national championships in 1954, 1957 and 1968. Hayes was elected College Coach of the Year in 1957 and 1975, and served as President of the National Football Coaches Association. Known for his strong recruiting and coaching, Hayes coached three Heisman Trophy winners and 56 first team All-American players. In addition, he trained many Assistant Coaches who later became successful Head Coaches including Bo Schembechler, Earle Bruce, Lou Holz, David McClain, Bill Mallory, and George Chaump.
Woody Hayes was honored in many ways in his life. He was named Head Football Coach and Professor Emeritus in the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation in 1979 by The Ohio State University Board of Trustees. Also in 1979, the University’s Development Fund established a scholarship in the names of Woody and Anne Hayes which helps student athletes attend Ohio State’s professional and graduate schools. Part of West Woodruff Avenue on campus was named for Hayes by the University in 1982 as Woody Hayes Drive. In 1986 Hayes received an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from Ohio State on the occasion of his being the Commencement speaker on March 21, 1986. Woody Hayes was the subject of many stories, television shows and documentaries as the quintessential college football coach.
Perhaps the greatest achievement of his distinguished career is the way in which he has personally touched so many lives. Although he was in the public eye for many years, he had tremendous success on a more private, individual level. The compassion he felt for all of his football players was often expressed in his interest in their education and their development as members of society. He was always available to discuss problems and he was free with his advice. This personal attention was well-utilized by his players and has resulted in many life-long friendships and associations. Woody Hayes was also available to the University community whenever it needed his help. He was a guest lecturer, advisor, spokesman, and fund raiser, among other things. He was willing to give of himself for the greater good and was able to respond to a great variety of requests for support. He visited hospitals and nursing homes, served on boards and talked with everyone who had the interest, especially students. He was truly generous with his time.
Woody Hayes will be long-remembered by his players, his colleagues, his friends, his family, and the University itself. He has left a tremendous legacy of commitment, success and love.
On behalf of the University, the Board of Trustees wishes to express its deep sympathy to Woody’s wife, Anne, his son and daughter-in-law Steve and Kathy, his grandchildren Phil and Laura and his sister Mary North. It was directed that this resolution be inscribed upon the minutes of the Board of Trustees and that a copy be tendered to the family as an expression of the Board’s heartfelt sympathy.
