LHS Names New Head Football Coach

LEMONT, IL — With the retirement of head coach Bret Kooi, the Lemont High School Board of Education has approved Willie Hayes as the school's head football coach starting with the 2023 season.

Kooi led the football program to an 82-18 record in nine seasons, according to the school.

Hayes graduated LHS in 2008, and joined the faculty in 2013. He has been an instructor in both the Physical Education and Special Education departments, the district said.

Hayes has served as an assistant varsity football coach for 11 seasons (2012-22), which included stints under former coach (and current principal) Eric Michaelsen ‘81 (2012-13) and Kooi (2014-22). During that time, Lemont recorded a composite record of 96-26, won seven South Suburban Conference-Blue Division titles, and made nine IHSA Playoff appearances, which included three quarterfinal finishes, three semifinal finishes, and an IHSA Class 6A State Runner-Up trophy in 2014, the school said.

Hayes has spent the last five seasons as the program’s defensive coordinator, and has had a hand in many other facets of the program, according to the school. He has helped implement an off season strength and speed program, worked closely with Kooi on tasks ranging from practice schedules to staff development, spearheaded multiple fundraising opportunities, and collaborated with youth football programs.

Hayes himself was a three-year varsity starter at linebacker from 2005-07 while playing for Michaelsen. Over three seasons, he helped Lemont to a composite 29-8 record and two conference titles (2005 Suburban Prairie Conference-East Division; 2006 SSC Blue). Lemont reached the playoffs each season, culminating with an IHSA Class State Runner-Up finish in 2007.

A three-time all-conference selection, Hayes was the Suburban Prairie-East Defensive Player of the Year in 2005 and an all-area pick in 2006 and 2007. He served as team captain as a junior and senior, was tabbed as the team MVP as a senior, and was cited with East Defensive MVP honors at the 2008 Illinois Coaches Association East-West Shrine All-Star Game.

Hayes went on to earn four letters at North Central College in Naperville from 2008-11 and helped North Central to a composite 41-6 record, according to LHS. The Cardinals won the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) all four seasons and made three NCAA Division III Playoff appearances (2008, 2010, 2011). He was an all-conference performer and team captain as both a junior and senior, the school said.

Hayes earned a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from North Central in 2012, a master’s degree in Special Education from Concordia University in 2017, and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Administration (with a principal endorsement) from North Central in 2020.