Coach Hayes reaps Hall of Fame honor
Naylond Hayes, a Holly Springs coaching legend, was recently inducted into the Northeast Mississippi Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
“It was a big honor,” said Hayes, 82. “Hall of Fame, that's special to me. I am thankful to the Coaches Association for the recognition.”
The ceremony was held Saturday, June 7, prior to the Robertson's Sportswear NEMBCA All-Star Basketball Games at Booneville High School.
Hayes retired from Holly Springs High School at the conclusion of the 2012-2013 year. He guided the Hawks to back-to-back Class 3A state championships in 2004 and 2005 and a second-place finish in 2006. His talented teams attracted large and loud crowds of supporters, with fans lining up early to be able to get into a jam-packed Holly High gym on game-night.
Prior to his 12 seasons at Holly High, he coached 20 years at Rust College. He led the Bearcats to a national championship in 1977.
Hayes grew up in Holmes County and graduated from Mileston High School in Tchula. His career actually started in the backyard of his family home, where he would play basketball on the ground surface until late at night, after spending a long day in the fields with his father harvesting the cotton crops on their farms. His love for basketball escalated through high school as he received many acknowledgments and honors before attending Tougaloo College in Jackson.
At Tougaloo, he was an outstanding point guard and led the basketball team to many wins. After earning his bachelor's degree from Tougaloo, he accepted high school coaching positions in Mississippi and Alabama. He also coached two years at Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena. He later graduated from Tennessee State University with his master's degree and during his stay there he assisted legendary coach Harold Hunter, the second-winningest men's basketball coach in TSU history.
Hayes' stellar coaching career at Rust College also included Coach of the Year honors in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). He still has lunch once a month with members of his 1977 national championship team.
He has been a presenter at many basketball clinics and a speaker at athletic banquets. He continues to serve as a mentor to his former players, supporting them in their roles as coaches.
He and his wife, Dr. Wonso Hayes, have two children, Ralphael J. Hayes and Charleye Nalonda Hayes-Tate. They have four grandchildren, McKenzi Hayes, Simone Tate, Quincy Washington Jr. and Greyson Hayes.
When he retired 12 years ago, Coach Hayes said the memories he will cherish most about coaching are watching players develop – not just as athletes but even more so as good citizens.
“Some of the parents thought I was too hard on their kids at times,” he said. “But more than anything, I wanted them to develop great character.”
In his retirement, he enjoys fishing, having lunch with his local friends, keeping his lawn beautiful, and watching basketball and football on TV.
“Life can't be better,” he said.