Agonis Club Honors - Wayne Woodrow "Woody" Hayes

Agonis Club Honors: Wayne Woodrow "Woody" HayesA Legacy That Lives On

Woody Hayes wasn’t just a legendary coach—he was a cornerstone of the Agonis Club's early growth and success. His passion for excellence, his devotion to young athletes, and his unwavering belief in honor and hard work mirrored the very values our Club has stood for since day one.
In 1979, the Agonis Club named Coach Hayes our "Sportsman of the Year", an honor that reflected both his coaching achievements and his powerful influence off the field. That year, we proudly hosted a formal Honorary Dinner on Wednesday, May 16, 1979, commemorated with a special souvenir program. The occasion featured heartfelt letters exchanged between Woody, President Gerald Ford, and Bo Schembechler—two men who deeply admired Coach Hayes’ impact on college football and American life.

These letters, preserved below, offer a rare glimpse into the character of a man who meant so much to so many. They’re more than correspondence—they’re reflections of respect, friendship, and admiration from the highest levels of sport and government.
Woody’s influence, however, extended far beyond the gridiron. He believed deeply in the power of education to shape lives and build strong communities.

"You win with people. But before you win with them on the field, you’ve got to help them win in the classroom and in life."
– Woody Hayes

"Paralyze resistance with persistence—and never forget that the real victories are earned through education."
– Woody Hayes

Since that night in 1979, the Agonis Club has continued to live out the ideals Woody embodied: service, humility, leadership, and an unrelenting drive to help student-athletes succeed.
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As times evolve, our commitment remains steadfast. We honor Woody Hayes not just with memories, but by carrying his spirit into every scholarship we award, every student-athlete we celebrate, and every event we host.
His legacy is not just in the record books—it's in the hearts of those who continue his mission.