| Bethel fixture Hayes retires from AD | | Posted: Tuesday, June 26, 2012 7:00 pm
| Bethel University is in the market for a new athletic director with the resignation of longtime school administrator and coach Glenn Hayes.
Hayes, who represented the school for over 20 years in some capacity, announced his decision to retire late last week from his AD duties, which he had held since 2006.
The retirement went into effect immediately.
Long-known as the Bethel baseball coach for 14 seasons before he took over the task of overseeing the entire athletic program, Hayes was a widely-respected area prep basketball official before that.
When he took over the AD job at the university six years ago, the school had 18 sports programs.
Now the fastest-growing athletic department in the nation, Bethel has 30 sports programs — more than many Division I schools in the country.
Over 800 student-athletes are expected to wear in some capacity the Vegas Gold and Purple in the 2012-13 school year.
In a meeting with the school’s coaches to inform them of his decision, Hayes told the group: “We have faced many challenges together. We have laughed and cried together. I just feel it is time to do some different things in my life.
“I have never seen my grandson, Michael, play football. Now I will have an opportunity to do that. With my son Drew in professional baseball, I can now travel and see him play.
“I thank all of you for your support and efforts as you have helped make this athletic department what it is. I feel it is in great shape and I know you will support your new director of athletics.”
With his announcement Thursday to his coaches and staff, there was an outpouring of respect and love from those who served under him.
“It has been a privilege and honor to work with Glenn Hayes the past 12 years,” stated men’s head basketball coach Jeff Britt. “He is a person of high character and standards. I am glad we worked together as coaches and athletic directors during his time. We are certainly going to miss him and wish him nothing but the best in his future.”
Bethel in-line hockey head coach Matt Swinea spoke of the leadership of his mentor.
“Coach Hayes is the very essence of what an athletic director should be. He is a tremendous leader and knows how to get others to follow his direction,” Swinea said. “He is always fair in his dealings with coaches and student-athletes. While sometimes he has to be stern, he always fully supports those who do the right things.
“He was the perfect choice to guide Bethel University through the growth and changes the last several years. I have learned a great deal from him that I will take with me throughout my coaching career and life.”
No official timetable has been given by university officials to name Hayes’ replacement.
Published in The Messenger 6.26.12 | | | | |
