Nov. 11, 2001

By Rob Coons
MU Media Relations Office

Mike Hayes looked back on his football career and smiled.

"For more than half my life, I've played a season of football every year," said Hayes, a senior offensive lineman. "That's an amazing thought."

For Hayes, who will play in his final game at Faurot Field today, the playing days are coming to an end. But that does not mean they will be forgotten any time soon.

Admitting he has always been bigger than most people his age, Hayes has spent most of his football career playing on the line. While he does not get the headlines and glory that some other positions attract, there are still aspects to the job that Hayes enjoys.

"When you line up against someone and can physically beat him, it gives you a rush you can't get anywhere else," he said.

As a senior at Oak Park High School in Kansas City, Hayes was recruited by Missouri, as well as several other schools. The fact that the Tigers brought him in for a recruiting visit early was what sold him on the school.

"When I visited Missouri, I liked what I saw," Hayes said. "They really seemed interested in having me be a part of the program."

As a Tiger, Hayes has seen his playing ability grow tremendously.

"The first two years I was here, I learned from the bowl games what it takes to be a contender," he said. "We've had a couple disappointing seasons, but now we're starting to get that edge back. We're finding a winning spirit again."

Today, fans of Missouri football know Hayes for his versatility on the gridiron. Against Michigan State in 2000, Hayes played three different positions - left and right guards and center.

"It's really tough because when you get moved back and forth you can't settle in to one position and against one opponent," Hayes said.

"But you have to go out and help the team. If the coaches didn't think I could do it, he wouldn't put me there. It's all about the team, and I just have to play my role."

Hayes' unselfish attitude, as well as the leadership he exhibits both on and off the field, contributed to his being named a captain for the 2001 season. It is a role he takes seriously.

"The guys on the team look up to you, and that's a lot of pressure," Hayes said. "You have to make responsible decisions, because a lot of guys are modeling their own decisions off of yours.

"It's hard with school and football, because sometimes you want to slack off, but that isn't setting a good example for the team, so you can't."

All college athletes have to learn to balance their sport with their schoolwork. For some, this task is harder than others. Hayes, a general studies major, has found a way to make it work.

"I'm pretty fortunate with my classes because they have a lot of reading," Hayes said. "Some people might think it's weird, but I really like that because I can do it in my free time. Doing it this way, my studying almost becomes easy because it's reading."

Just because his days as a player are drawing to a close does not mean Hayes is ready to say good-bye to the sport of football. In fact, his plans for the future could involve a very different role in the game.

"I would like to coach, but I don't know at what level," Hayes said. "I have some thinking to do before I know for sure. I may just go back to Kansas City after school is over and find a job there."

No matter what Hayes finds for his future, he knows at least one person will support his decision.

"My mother, Madeline, is my hero," Hayes said. "She raised me by herself while she worked two jobs, and she made sure I had everything I needed. She and my grandfather come to almost every single game. They're my own little cheering section.

"It helps a lot, especially at road games," he said, breaking into a smile. "On the road I always look up into the Missouri fans and try to see where they are. It gives me a little sense of home."

Hayes will soon be leaving a place he has considered home for four years. As he thought back over his career at Missouri, Hayes smiled about memory upon memory.

"My best game was against Nebraska last year," he said. "I didn't allow any sacks and I had the most knockdowns. The whole line played really well that day, it was a great game."

Hayes considers his best memory to date the Tigers' 38-34 victory over Kansas in Lawrence last month. He is not ready, however, to declare that his best memory in his four years at Mizzou.

"Hopefully, there will be more good memories coming up," he said. "I'm not done yet. "I've been happy with my career here," Hayes said. "I've had a lot of fun. I'm proud to be a Missouri Tiger."