Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association issued the following announcement on Aug. 18
A legend of Winston-Salem State University athletics will receive a tremendous honor this fall. The City Council of Winston-Salem approved naming the football field at Bowman Gray Stadium after legendary Rams football coach and director of athletics William "Bill" Hayes, Monday evening. The move was approved via a unanimous vote by the council, Monday evening.
The action came as a request from Council Member Annette Scippio of the East Ward and seconded by James Taylor, Jr. of the Southeast Ward. It was the numerous contributions from Coach Hayes as an athlete, coach, administrator, and as a champion for young people that inspired the action.
"Council Member Scippio said it best, I consider it an honor and a privilege to know a living legend as we have in Coach William "Bill" Hayes," said Winston-Salem State University Director of Athletics Etienne Thomas. "And to hear the countless stories of the impact he has had on boys who became men who went on to became college graduates, professional athletes, military servicemen, business owners, educators, coaches, professionals, husbands, fathers and contributors to Winston-Salem and the other cities in which he has served and who all credit Coach Hayes and the lifelong impact he had on their lives."
Hayes' career spanned decades and he was able to reach countless lives in a positive manner at every step of the way. He completed his collegiate playing career at North Carolina Central University where he played four seasons with the Eagles at the center and linebacker positions and he earned All-American honors before graduating from NCCU in 1965. After graduating from NCCU, Hayes went on to begin his successful coaching career at the high school level before transitioning to the collegiate ranks. In 1973, he joined the staff at Wake Forest University where he became the first African-American coach in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Three years later, in 1976, Hayes began his legendary coaching career at Winston-Salem State University. During his time with the Rams Hayes went on to become one of the most successful coaches in school history, compiling an 89-40-2 record with three Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) championships, seven division championships, and he led the Rams to back-to-back undefeated regular seasons in 1977 and 1978.
In 1988, Hayes left Winston-Salem State University to take the reins at North Carolina A&T State University where he led the Aggies to an 11-2 record and the 1999 Sheridan Broadcasting Network Black College National Championship and three Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Championships, two NCAA Division I-AA playoff appearances, and an overall record of 106-64-0 in 15 seasons.
In all, Hayes spent 27 seasons as a collegiate head football coach and compiled a 195-104-2 overall record and he finished his coaching career with more victories than any other football head coach in the state of North Carolina.
After establishing himself as an elite head football coach, Hayes went on to establish a terrific career as a collegiate administrator. In July of 2004, he took the reins as the Director of Athletics at his alma mater North Carolina Central University where he had a significant impact on the program and revived several of the rich traditions of Eagles athletics. During the 2005-06 year, he led the Eagles program to its most successful athletic year, winning four CIAA titles and four NCAA championship team qualifiers. He was recognized as the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association's (CIAA) top administrator, winning the Jeannette A. Lee Athletic Administration Award in 2006 and 2007 while also being selected as the CIAA Athletic Director of the Year during the 2005-06 athletic year. From there, Hayes went on to serve as the Director of Athletics at Florida A&M University before taking the same position at Winston-Salem State University.
While with the Rams, Hayes led a tremendous phenomenal effort, revitalizing the WSSU Department of Athletics and leading one of the most successful eras in school history. His leadership and guidance were key factors in one of the most successful runs in school history. The Rams football team reached the 2012 NCAA Division II Football National Championship Game and the 2011 NCAA Division II National Championship Semifinals. The team also won a pair NCAA Division II Atlantic Super Region One Championships. The Rams baseball team was not only reinstated, but it also had one of the most successful runs in school history as well, including winning six CIAA Championships, and hosting the NCAA Division II Atlantic Region Baseball Tournament in 2013. The team also claimed its first CIAA championship in school history in women's tennis, men's tennis, and volleyball.
As impressive as his professional career has been, Hayes' service to the community at large has been equally impressive. He has an outstanding track record of service with the Boy Scouts of America where he earned the Silver Beaver Award and the Silver Antelope Award. Both were in recognition of the tremendous service efforts with the organization.
A dedication ceremony for the field will be held during the 2021 Rams football season. For more information on Rams football, contact the WSSU Office of Athletic Media Relations at (336) 750-2143 or log on to www.WSSURams.com.
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