NNewcomerstownHistorical Society
← Legendary Sons · 1913–1987

Woody Hayes

Football coach · "Three yards and a cloud of dust" · A Newcomerstown boy who became one of the most legendary figures in college football history.

Woody Hayes in an Ohio State coaching polo and cap
The Coach

From Newcomerstown to Columbus

Wayne Woodrow "Woody" Hayes grew up in Newcomerstown, Ohio, before going on to lead the Ohio State University Buckeyes for 28 seasons. Famous for his hard-nosed, run-first football and his fierce devotion to his players, Hayes built one of the most successful programs in the history of the sport — winning multiple national championships and a long string of Big Ten titles.

Beyond the gridiron, he was known as a teacher and a reader of history who pushed his players to succeed in life as much as in the game. To this day, he remains a source of enormous pride for his hometown.

Honored in Bronze

The Woody Hayes Statue

Bronze statue of Woody Hayes pointing, in downtown Newcomerstown

The Woody Hayes statue stands proudly in downtown Newcomerstown.

At the Museum

On Display at the Olde Main Street Museum

Memorabilia

Photographs, programs, and keepsakes from Woody's legendary coaching career.

Hometown Roots

Artifacts connecting Hayes to his Newcomerstown upbringing.

Tributes

Honors and remembrances collected by the community over the years.

See It In Person