Ohio State University Archives Wayne Woodrow Hayes was introduced as Ohio State’s 19th head coach on Feb. 18, 1951. There were questions about his hiring and many believed his tenure would be short. Hayes was born on Valentine’s Day 1913 in Clifton, Ohio and played high school football at Newcomerstown High School. Upon graduation, Hayes took his talents to Denison University where he played tackle and served as team captain. Hayes started his head coaching career at New Philadelphia High School and compiled an 18–11–1 record over three seasons. In 1941, he left coaching to enlist in the Navy. While serving as a Lieutenant Commander during World War II, Denison reached out to Hayes about its head coaching ahead of the 1946 season. The future Hall Of Fame coach went undefeated in two of his three years with the Big Red. After the 1948 season, Hayes left Granville for Miami University. In 1950, he guided the Red Men to a MAC title and a 34-21 victory over Arizona State in the Salad Bowl. The day of his hiring at Ohio State, Hayes held an overall record of 33–11, two conference championships and a bowl victory as a college head coach. However, nobody anticipated that the worshiper of tough men, education and self-reliance would complete his career 27 years later as the face of Ohio State football. Here is a look at the first one of legendary Ohio State coach’s tenure. The 1951 Buckeyes Record 4–3–2 B1G Record 2–2–2, 5th Coach Woody Hayes (1st year, 4–3–2) Captain Bob…
Continue Reading: 100 Teams in 100 Days: Ohio State Hires Woody Hayes Ahead of 1951 Season
