Image: Supplied / Coach Mike Hayes (right) has been named the new G.W. Graham varsity football coach, according to a statement from Graham athletic director Jake Mouritzen.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

G.W Graham varsity football

G.W. Graham selects former UBC football player as its new varsity head coach

Jun 24, 2024 | 11:45 AM

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.

“Through this role, his commitment is to fostering community spirit and uplifting young individuals both on and off the field,” Mouritzen said.

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In this capacity as football coach, Mouritzen said Hayes will be tasked with building and maintaining relationships across a diverse range of stakeholders, including players, staff members, parents, alumni, donors, and community members.

“By cultivating strong relationships with families and local organizations, Mike will ensure the team’s impact goes far beyond game day,” Mouritzen said. “Mike’s passion for building community and his commitment to guiding young athletes in their personal and athletic development is unwavering.”

Mouritzen said the installation of Hayes as varsity coach will make the program even stronger with him at the helm.

“Not only does Mike bring an excellent balance of passion, pride and spirit to our program, Coach Hayes also makes it a priority to build genuine relationships with our players and families and consistently shows the ability to empower our student athletes,” Mouritzen said. “The G.W. Graham football family has become even stronger with Coach Hayes at the helm, and are once again grateful to our entire coaching staff, as we begin the hard work to prepare for the 2024 preseason starting this summer.”

G.W. Graham has had a winning program that ranks among the best in British Columbia in recent years. The Grizzlies won the junior varsity football title in 2013, 2014 and 2018, and the senior varsity championship in 2021. It advanced to the provincial championship in 2022 but lost to Vancouver College in the title game. G.W. Graham advanced to the playoffs in 2023 with a 10-win season.