HoopDirt.com mentioned that long-time Indiana HS coach Gary Hayes was the leader at Calumet College of St. Joseph back on 7/27 (Daily Dirt). Hayes’ hiring, as well as the hiring of his staff, has now been made official…
Calumet College of St. Joseph is excited to announce the hiring of Gary Hayes as the new Crimson Wave Head Men’s Basketball Coach. It’s a homecoming of sorts for Hayes who spent one season in the same role, 14 seasons ago. But in reality, he never really left, having been born and raised in Northwest Indiana and spending his entire teaching and coaching career in the area.
That one season though….just happened to be one for the record books.
In his lone season at the helm of the Crimson Wave, Hayes led the program to an impressive 21-8 record – 9-1 in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference, capturing the school’s only CCAC Regular Season Championship. The Wave were eventually be upset by Cardinal Stritch University (Wis.) in the CCAC Tournament Semifinals, 81-60, shattering their hopes at advancing to the NAIA National Tournament. His peers selected Hayes as the CCAC Coach of the Year, the first such honor for anyone from CCSJ.
“I am really excited about the opportunity come take over this program. I am thankful that Calumet College, Dr. Amy McCormack, Johnny Craig and Rick Torres have the faith in me to lead these young men.”
-Gary Hayes
Hayes brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. He has 11 seasons of collegiate coaching experience. Over his career, Hayes has accumulated a 481-218 record – including a 235-117 collegiate mark. He is no stranger to the CCAC, having captured four conference titles and earning Coach of the Year four times.
Prior to coming to CCSJ originally, he spent 10 years at Purdue University –Calumet, six as the head women’s coach followed by four as the men’s head coach. He also coached 17 years of high school varsity basketball, 12 years at Edison High School and five at Griffith High School. While at Edison, he also coached varsity tennis for 33 years and served as the Athletic Director for 10 years.
During his time at Purdue Cal, Hayes amassed a 140-47 record leading the women’s program. He led the Peregrine to three CCAC Conference Championships, including a 27-5 mark in his first season, earning CCAC Coach of the Year honors. That season, the Peregrine were ranked 25th in the NAIA with a defense that ranked 5th in the nation. As the men’s head coach, he finished with a 74-70 career record, with his defense ranked among the top nationally in three seasons.
“I know the challenges of taking this on now – late in the recruiting process, and am excited for myself and my staff to hit the recruiting trail. I love the support system that CCSJ has to offer, the small, family feel is going to make a huge difference in the process.”
Hayes holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Physical Education from Indiana State University and a Master’s Degree in Education from Indiana University. His roots to Northwest Indiana run deep, having graduated from Clark High School.
Earlier this summer, Ryan Sexson announced that after 14 years as the head coach of the Crimson Wave, he was stepping away to focus on his family and his teaching career. Sexson leaves as the all-time winningest coach in CCSJ history with a 180-212 overall record. The year prior to taking over the reins, Sexson was the first assistant coach for Hayes.
Joining Hayes on the sidelines of Alumni Court will be Geoffrey Dan and Marcus Jefferson. Both bring vast knowledge of the game to the program as well as years of local experience.
Dan has 30 years of assistant coaching experience at Purdue University – Northwest (Calumet), well as several area high schools. Dan will work specifically with guard development, both on the offensive and defensive end of the courts. He will also be the scouting coordinator, breaking down game film.
Jefferson was not only a four-year letter winner at Iowa State University; he also spent some time in the CBA. He has 10 years of coaching experience at Gary Roosevelt, which included a Sectional Championship. He also spent three seasons at East Chicago Central. Jefferson will focus primarily on post and forward development and individual game responsibilities. He will also serve as the strength and conditioning coach.
