Courtesy of Wake Forest Athletics
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Coach Bill Hayes, whose trailblazing HBCU football career has inspired many, will be recognized prior to and during the Demon Deacons’ Week 1 game against North Carolina A&T on Thursday, Aug. 29 inside Allegacy Stadium. Hayes, who served as Wake Forest’s running back coach from 1973 to 1975, was a groundbreaking figure in the ACC and set a precedent for diversity and excellence in college football.
After his time at Wake Forest where he was the first Black assistant coach in our University’s history as well as the first in the Atlantic Coast Conference, Bill Hayes became the head coach at Winston-Salem State University (1976-87), where he led the Rams to three Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) championships and five CIAA divisional titles. His leadership was instrumental in taking his 1978 team to the NCAA Division II playoffs. Following his tenure at Winston-Salem State, Hayes served as head coach at North Carolina A&T (1988-2002), guiding the Aggies to two NCAA Division I-AA playoff appearances and winning three Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) titles.
He is the second-winningest football coach in the state of North Carolina’s collegiate history.
Hayes’s career also includes a distinguished role in athletic administration, where he served as athletic director at North Carolina Central, Florida A&M, and Winston-Salem State University. Under his leadership, WSSU achieved significant success, including a national championship game appearance in 2012.
In recognition of his contributions, Hayes was awarded the 2019 AFCA Trailblazer Award, honoring his role as an early leader in the football coaching profession at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU). Additionally, a statue in his honor is set to be unveiled at Winston-Salem State University, celebrating his legacy and impact.
Not to be outdone, the field at Bowman Gray Stadium was named in his honor a few years ago.
Coach Hayes’s achievements not only reflect his outstanding career but also his commitment to advancing opportunities for others. His groundbreaking role at Wake Forest and his extensive contributions to the sport make him a fitting honoree for the Open the Gate tradition.
Open the Gate Information & 2024 Honorees
The Open the Gate tradition, established in 2008, celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to the Wake Forest and Winston-Salem communities. Honorees are recognized during football games by leading the team onto the field alongside the Demon Deacon mascot.