BY LEON B. CREWS

Sentinel Staff Writer

The Jefferson High School Dragon basketball team has welcomed new head coach, Eric Hayes, who is ready to embark on a new era at the school.

Hayes, who lettered in three sports while a student at Tampa Catholic High School, said basketball has always been his favorite sport.

“I think I was about 18 when my dad took me to my first professional basketball game. It was the Orlando Magic against the Portland Trailblazers, and after the game, I got an opportunity to meet some of the Trailblazer players. That is a great memory to cherish.”

After high school, Hayes attended the University of Maryland-Baltimore County, where he graduated with a degree in Information Systems.

“As far as being a coach is concerned, I knew this is what I’ve always wanted to do. Attending a lot of basketball camps really impressed upon me the desire to want to coach.

“I had a chance to coach at my high school alma mater alongside my high school coach. From that experience, I learned a lot and got a lot of encouragement. I also learned how to get along with the players, and the business side of coaching.”

Hayes began his coaching career as an assistant at Tampa Catholic from 1998 until 2001, and again from 2005 until 2006. From 2004 to 2005, Hayes was the head varsity basketball coach at the International Preparatory School in Cleveland, Ohio, the head coach at Brooksville Central High School from 2006 until 2009, and the head coach at Dunnellon High School from 2009 until 2012.

On getting the job at Jefferson, Hayes said he was contacted by a friend who asked him if he would be interested.

“I came in, met with the staff, and was involved in dialogue during the summer. During that time, I was working at basketball camps sponsored by the Orlando Magic for high school players. We also had athletes from other countries. After giving it a lot of thought, I accepted the job in July.”

Hayes said after he was named the head coach, the first thing he did was to see what kind of schedule the team was facing.

“I needed to see what kind of talent I had, and who was coming in. During an open gym situation, I got a chance to look at all the guys, except the ones that were playing football.

“Now, I know what I’m working with, and I know I will have to fine tune some of the fundamentals to get us ready.”

Hayes said his first goal is to be competitive ad restore or create a winning attitude with the players.

“All I know is winning, and I want the players to feel that. I want us to get better each game we play.”

Aside from being the head basketball coach at Jefferson, Hayes also teaches Algebra I and Geometry.

Eric Hayes is the eldest son of James and Gwen Hayes. He has three siblings.