James P. Hayes 2002 Inductee Men's Tennis 1959-61

James P. Hayes
Jim Hayes was a three-year letterwinner (1959-60-61) at Wayne State for Hall of Fame coach Fred Mulhauser. He also received a freshman numeral in 1957. In addition to his bachelor’s degree, Hayes received a master’s degree in 1972 from WSU.

Hayes, a native of Detroit, Michigan, led his team to a 22-8 dual meet record and three consecutive President Athletic Conference titles, while serving as team captain both in 1960 and 1961.

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 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 (1966-70) at Plymouth. Hayes then served as varsity tennis coach at Plymouth Canton for 21 seasons (1971-91) 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 (1979-91) 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.