22 CAVALIER CORNER
tional Championship and earned honor-roll
all four years of high school.
While most kids spend their teenage
years attending parties and living with a
shortsighted mindset, Hayes was different.
He was mature beyond his years and un-
derstood the dedication and commitment
necessary to eventually wrestle at the high-
est level possible.
"Everyone we talked to said Louie was a
focused, hard-working guy who wouldn't
get in trouble here," UVA head coach Steve
Garland said about recruiting Hayes.
Growing up as the oldest of 10 children,
Hayes naturally embraced his role as a
leader in the family. His father, Phil, was an
avid wrestler in high school and passed the
passion to the now UVA standout. Hayes
strapped on headgear and hit the mat as a
child — and has never looked back.
"The goal was always to put on a college
singlet eventually and embrace the life that
comes with it," Hayes said. "I love it. I love
the regimen needed to succeed. I love the
people I met through wrestling.
"My high school teammates are still my
best friends, and the 30 guys on my squad
