Ken Fritz’s recollections of Woody Hayes in What It Means to Be a Buckeye paint a vivid picture of the legendary Ohio State coach’s tough-love approach.

Ken Fritz’s recollections of Woody Hayes in What It Means to Be a Buckeye paint a vivid picture of the legendary Ohio State coach’s tough-love approach.

The way he describes Hayes—physically tough on players but deeply invested in their success—reflects an old-school coaching philosophy that would likely not fly in today’s era of heightened sensitivity and legal scrutiny.

 

Fritz’s first anecdote, about getting punched in the stomach, highlights how Hayes used physicality as a way of toughening up his players. Back then, it was seen as a sign of care, a coach’s way of pushing his athletes to be their best. Today, such actions would be met with immediate backlash, with parents and legal teams ready to intervene. The shift in coaching culture underscores how much the relationship between coaches and players has changed over the years.

 

The second story, in which Hayes personally ensured that Fritz attended class, is even more telling. Instead of merely punishing him, Hayes took the extra step of accompanying him to every class that day. This hands-on approach demonstrated not just discipline but a genuine commitment to his players’ education and personal growth. The shock of classmates seeing Woody Hayes in their lectures only added to the impact, ensuring that Fritz learned his lesson.

 

These anecdotes capture a bygone era of coaching, where discipline and mentorship were often intertwined with physicality and direct involvement. While coaching methods have evolved, the essence of what made Woody Hayes a revered figure—his passion, intensity, and investment in his players—still resonates in the world of college football.