We all know Wayne Woodrow “Woody” Hayes as the most legendary coach in the history of the Ohio State football program. Hayes was a winner on the Ohio Stadium field (205-61-10) and off the field.
But when Hayes’ name is mentioned, it’s rarely about his service as a World War II Navy lieutenant commander. It’s not about staking his claim to five national titles and 13 Big Ten titles. Or about inspiring so many young men to excel not just on the football field, but in life.
Rather, Hayes is best known for a bad decision he made at the 1978 Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Fla. On December 29, 1978, the most legendary coaching career for one of the nation’s most legendary programs came to an end with one right hook.
An Eerie Feeling
“I’m not trying to win a popularity poll. I’m trying to win football games. I don’t like nice people. I like tough, honest people.” – Woody Hayes
Jack Park, commentator for 97.1 The Fan, stated, “Had Ohio State won (the 1976 Rose Bowl…
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