G.W. Graham selects former UBC football player as its new varsity head coach
CHILLIWACK — One of British Columbia’s best football programs with a tradition of success has named Mike Hayes as its new varsity head football coach.
According to a news release Monday (June 24) from G.W. Graham athletic director Jake Mouritzen, Hayes is entering his fourth season as a member of the Grizzlies coaching staff. Hayes played for the University of British Columbia from 2006-2010, earning a starting role on defence in the 2008 and 2009 seasons, while studying behavioural psychology.
“Both players and coaches believed in me as a walk on at UBC when no one else did. I owe the game of football a huge debt of gratitude for setting me on a path towards success in life,” Hayes said in a statement. “My experience with sports galvanized my desire to mentor and guide young men and prepare them for the inevitable hardships of life.”
Coaching runs in the Hayes family. Mike’s wife Ashley is entering her third year as the head coach of the G.W. Graham Grizzlies junior girls basketball team. Mouritzen said Mike “recognizes the opportunity to instill valuable life lessons in the players, and he firmly believes in the power of a strong work ethic, unwavering commitment, and giving back to his community.” When asked about what motivates him to give back in this way as a football coach, Hayes said this stems from a profound belief in positively influencing and inspiring the next generation.