[ad_1]
Ponca, Nebraska (KCAU) – Players listen when Bob Hayes speaks.
“You have to listen to him. He’s the man,” said Ponca senior Sam Ehlers.
And rightly so. Bob began his coaching career at Ponca in 1984 as a soccer and basketball assistant and head of the women’s track before coaching men’s basketball for 17 years. He defended the program his 12th regular season his conference to his championship and won his first state title in 2007.
“We’ve always tried to develop the culture,” said Ponca Girls Basketball Head Coach Bob Hayes. “We’ve been successful with boys and established a family culture. Parents and children alike have been hooked and evolved.”
And Bob has spread it to women’s basketball in recent years. The teams finished as state runners-up in She’s 2020 and She’s 2021, but he’s definitely off this season with a blistering 17-1 start.
“They play for each other and really pull for each other,” Hayes said.
“We play a lot of big games, a lot of intense games,” Ponca senior Gracen Evans said. “We’re doing it for ourselves, but also for our coaches.”
Patience is a virtue when you are part of a team of so many. What Bob has learned over the years. But it’s not just the longtime coach who’s passionate about Ponca, it’s Hayes’ name itself: His wife Christie keeps nearly 1,700 Ponka basketball scorebooks, and only four games. not miss Influences Bob’s influence on both old and new Ponca athletes and teachers.
“I got my 500th win a few weeks ago and got a card from my kindergarten teacher and oh my god,” Hayes said. bottom.”
“Our boys’ coach, Coach Polski, has been coached by Hayes,” Evans said. “Our assistant one of his coaches was coached by Hayes. Everything he gives is in basketball, not just on his court, but in life. Every little thing you teach is a wonderful thing.”
The return of former players is exceptional. But knowing he played a big part in their lives is a joy Bob has cherished. The answer is simple.
“Kids, I think their energy keeps you young,” Hayes said. “The biggest thing I want my kids to know is that I care about them.” .”
“He’s done so much for this school, this community,” Ehlers said. “I think every team that has gone through him has gained a lot. He works both on and off the court. Coming from him, I want to be a coach someday.”
And Hayes, who is in his 40th year, says his retirement hasn’t been reflected in the game yet. We continue to draw new plays and new lessons for future generations of Ponca.
“I had some buddies walk away and tell me how did you know, and they said you’d find out. They said it wouldn’t be fun anymore. So far it’s still fun said Hayes.
[ad_2]
Source link
