Hall of Fame
Jim Hayes, a native of Detroit, Michigan, lettered three years on the Wayne State University men's tennis team for Hall of Fame coach Fred Mulhauser. He lettered in 1959, 1960, and 1961, while also receiving a freshman numeral in 1957. In addition to his bachelor's degree from Wayne State, Hayes received a master's degree in physical education from WSU in 1972. In 1959, WSU had a 9-2 dual meet record which included wins over Eastern Michigan, Detroit (twice), Central Michigan (twice), Toledo, Cincinnati, John Carroll and Kalamazoo. The Tartars also claimed the President Athletic Conference title for the fourth consecutive year. The following year, WSU went 6-3 with victories over Detroit, Toledo, Central Michigan (twice), Eastern Michigan and Western Reserve. WSU also won the PAC title. In 1961, Wayne State compiled a 7-3 dual meet mark with wins over Western Reserve, Detroit (twice), Eastern Michigan (twice), Central Michigan and Toledo. The Tartars extended their streak of PAC championships to six. During his WSU career, Hayes led his team to a dual meet record of 22-8 and three consecutive PAC titles. He also served as team captain in both 1960 and 1961. Individually, he was a four-time conference champion (fourth singles and second doubles in 1959, first singles in 1960, and first doubles in 1961) and a conference finalist at first singles in 1961. Hayes was also selected Most Valuable Athlete in 1960 and 1961. In addition to tennis, Hayes represented WSU on the club badminton squad for three seasons. Following graduation, he coached junior varsity tennis at Catholic Central for two years (1964-65) and for five years (1966-1970) at Plymouth. Hayes then served as varsity tennis coach at Plymouth Canton for 21 seasons (1971-1991), winning six Western Lakes Conference titles. In 1989, he was selected "Regional Tennis Coach of the Year" in Michigan. He also coached cross country at Plymouth Canton for 13 years (1979-1991), winning three division titles, two conference championships, and the State Regional in 1989. Hayes had four tennis players and two runners continue on to represent WSU in their sport. As a participant, Hayes won the Michigan Squash/Racquet Association state championships in 1982 (plus 40 singles), 1985 (plus 45 singles) and 1986 (plus 45 singles). He currently resides in Bradenton, Florida.
