The following was printed on Cleophus Hayes' HOF
plaque:
Cleo Hayes has the distinction of being the only 4-year team
captain in the history of Saints’ basketball. Hayes was
a co-captain in each of his four seasons at Siena Heights;
including his freshman season in 1975-76. The
’75-’76 season was also the first season in the
program’s history.
Hayes and his teammates would be part of many
“firsts” as the Saints’ fledgling program quickly
gained respect at the state and regional levels. The Saints
captured their first tournament title in 1977 at the Wilfrid
Laurier University tournament in Canada; and in 1979 they won the
Tiffin University Thanksgiving Classic.
Hayes was named Most Valuable Player in his senior season in
1979. The ’79 season was a memorable for both Hayes and
the Saints. Under second-year coach Ben Braun, they posted a
record of 24-6; the first winning season in the program’s
history.
In addition to leading the team in assists in each of his four
seasons, Hayes ranked second all-time in scoring with 1,246 points
at the end of his four-year career. At the time of his
induction, his career point total still ranks in the top twenty for
the Saints. Additionally, it is believed that Hayes would
still be the all-time Siena Heights career leader in both assists
and steals had the statistical capabilities of today’s era
been utilized when he played.
As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the
Saints’ first winning team, the Siena Heights University
Athletic Hall of Fame is pleased to recognize the program’s
first superstar with the induction of Cleo Hayes.
