Athletics Director Bill Hayes of Winston-Salem State believes that one of the most important steps to building a solid program is recognizing the accomplishments of those who helped lay the foundation.
And he isn't afraid to ask for help.
Hayes said he wants to make sure that alumni and fans know they can nominate athletes, coaches and others who have helped shape WSSU's athletics history for the Big House Gaines Hall of Fame.
Nomination forms are available at the school and on the school's athletics Web site (www.wssurams.com). The deadline is March 31.
Hayes said he has heard from alumni about worthy candidates, but that he would like for those candidates to be nominated.
"We just want to try to encourage those who might remember some of our greats of the past to submit their names if they think they merit consideration into the Hall of Fame," Hayes said. "The committee will then decipher who should be in the class for 2010."
Hayes' long-term goal for the hall, which has about 150 members, is to use it as a fundraiser for athletics.
"There are so many forgotten heroes from the '40s, '50s and '60s," he said.
The Big House Gaines Hall of Fame was dormant for about 10 years before Chico Caldwell, a former AD, resurrected it in 2002.
"We are going to try and grow the Hall of Fame so it can be an athletics fundraiser," Hayes said. "That's what it should be, because people you honor should then turn around and give. We are hoping to have around 450 at the Hall of Fame induction dinner in the fall. We want to move it to a larger venue, and we hope that happens."
jdell@wsjournal.com
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