Hard to believe it's been 21 years since Woody's passing. As recounted last year, and like most of us, I remember exactly where I was and exactly how I was told of his death. I was in 8th grade at the time but used to go to the elementary school across the street to shoot hoops with my old gym teacher before the bus arrived.
Armed with the bad news, my mom actually walked over to the school and came inside the gym to tell me. Due to my age, I barely had any personal recollection of Woody coaching but growing up in a Buckeye family, I definitely understood the magnitude of what I had just heard. I apologize to the 17 visitors who read this last year but it's always the first thing I think of when the topic of Woody's death comes up. Where were you when you heard the news?
Each year, various media outlets compile interviews, quotes etc. for inclusion in articles to commemorate the anniversary but this one from the Dispatch last year is one of my favorites.In honor of the great Woody Hayes, we recently added a few shirts to the 11W store showcasing two of our favorite quotes from the most important figure in the history of Ohio State Football.
The guy built a football machine and with it a culture that makes makes Football Saturday's the best 13 days of the year. His key achievements include:
- Won five national titles (1970, 1968, 1961, 1957 and 1954)
- Won 13 Big Ten championships
- Won 205 overall and 152 conference games
- Led Ohio State to 11 bowl games (eight Rose Bowls)
- Took Ohio State to four-consecutive Rose Bowls (1972-75)
- Produced 56 first team All-Americans
- Coached three Heisman Trophy and three Outland Trophy winners
- Coached two Lombardi Award winners
We tip our 40 to the one and only Wayne Woodrow Hayes.
