HBCU football legend continues to pay it forward

CLEMMONS, NC —Legendary HBCU football coach Bill Hayes is once again championing efforts to raise money for students through his annual celebrity golf tournament.

“When I was coaching, we never had enough of anything—money for scholarships, recruiting, or even basic functions,” Hayes recalled. “After I retired, I decided to do everything in my power to promote HBCUs and raise funds to support coaches and provide scholarships to students.”

Held at the picturesque Salem Glen Golf and Country Club in Clemmons, North Carolina, the event is organized by the Bill and Carolyn Hayes Foundation.

“We started this morning with a flight of 26 golf teams, and this afternoon, we had 18 more teams, including some notable names,” Hayes shared.

The tournament boasts an impressive roster of participants, including college coaching greats like Jerry Moore from Appalachian State and former Grambling star James “Shaq” Harris. The event is more than just a gathering of sports legends; it’s a heartfelt endeavor to support historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

This year marks the third installment of the tournament, and Hayes is optimistic about its impact. “We’ve raised a lot of scholarship money that goes directly back to the schools and even some high schools in Winston-Salem like Carver High School,” he said. “It’s all about giving kids opportunities and helping them succeed.”

The foundation’s efforts extend beyond athletics, aiming to support both academic and athletic scholarships. “We help where people need support. Sometimes it doesn’t take a lot—a little bit here and there can make a significant difference in a student’s life,” Hayes explained.

With growing sponsorships and commitments from local corporations, Hayes says the future looks promising.

“We’ve got a four-year commitment of $20,000 a year from one of the country clubs, and more contributions keep coming in,” Hayes noted.

His vision is clear: to continue providing opportunities for students and supporting coaches in their mission to build strong, united teams.

Hayes’ dedication to supporting HBCUs through initiatives like this golf tournament underscores the importance of community and collaboration in enhancing educational opportunities. By rallying the support of sports legends and local businesses, Hayes continues to create meaningful impacts for HBCU students and athletes.

It’s been more than 20 years since Bill Hayes last coached a team, finishing up his career at North Carolina A&T in 2002. Since then he has served as an administrator at North Carolina Central, Florida A&M and Winston-Salem State, helping build HBCU programs on the ground level.

When asked, Hayes voiced concerns about the evolving landscape of college football, particularly regarding Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and the transfer portal.

“I can’t even envision how challenging it must be now,” Hayes said. “Back when I coached, it was all about building a team, fostering unity, and everyone working together. Now, it seems to be more about individual gains—how much money a player can get, rather than the collective success of the team.”

Hayes is particularly concerned about how these changes impact the essence of team sports.

“I don’t understand the mentality today,” Hayes continued. “It’s not about teammates or coaches anymore; it’s about what’s in it for the individual. I still believe in the old-school philosophy of building a team from the inside out, where everyone pulls together for the betterment of the group. These changes, while beneficial in some ways, have also shifted the focus away from the true spirit of the game.”

A star on the field at North Carolina Central, Hayes went on to serve as head coach at WSSU and NC A&T, leading both programs to multiple-championships and postseason wins. His career record is 195-104-2 and he is currently a nominee for the College Football Hall of Fame.

For Hayes, who is already a member of multiple halls of fame, these efforts are a testament to his enduring legacy.

“To be in the College Football Hall of Fame would be the ultimate honor, showing that I tried hard and did the best I could to make my family, university, and community proud.”

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