WINK News Player of the Week: Celebrating Riverdale’s Cole Hayes
WINK News Player of the Week is none other than Riverdale High School’s standout running back Cole Hayes. As he strides through his final year on the field, this season marks a remarkable shift—not just in the records, but in the cultural pulse of the school that once faced challenges on the gridiron.
A New Chapter in Riverdale Football
Reflecting on the past, Hayes shared, “The first three years here we won nine games combined.” Now, with over half that total already achieved in just one season, he embodies resilience and determination. This transformation is more than numbers. It’s about pride. He notes, “being able to go around the school and just not being the laughing stock of the school is nice. We got a lot of respect now compared to last year.” It’s a sentiment echoed by the community, as local businesses show support, with the Riverdale Coffee House often buzzing with celebratory conversations of the team’s success.
From Injury to Inspiration: The Journey
Despite breaking his collarbone in a spring game, Hayes’s spirit remains unbroken. “I put a lot of work in during the offseason getting bigger, faster,” he recalls. That one unforgettable carry—a 45-yard dash almost resulting in a touchdown—reminds him of the fragility of opportunity. Coach Kendoll Gibson vividly remembers advising him to rest after surgery, but Hayes’s tenacity shone through. His desire to return to training was palpable, ultimately culminating in a triumphant comeback.
In the recent game against Cypress Lake, he delivered a performance that would be etched in school history. Rushing for 336 yards and scoring five touchdowns, it was a true highlight of his high school career. “Once I hit three, I started counting,” Hayes admitted with a grin, reflecting the mix of joy and disbelief that accompanied such a feat.
Recognition and Legacy
With this astonishing performance, Hayes earned the title of WINK News Player of the Week, a badge he wears with pride. He explains, “It’s awesome. Being able to get my name back on the map after the rough summer and spring and everything.” This recognition is not just a personal victory; it symbolizes the collective efforts of teammates, coaches, and a revived community spirit.
This marks Hayes’s second five-touchdown game in his high school career, the first being against the same Cypress Lake team last season. Such moments forge connections between past, present, and future, offering a sense of continuity as Riverdale High seeks to redefine its identity on the field.
With each game, Hayes not only scores touchdowns but also cultivates a legacy, leaving behind a narrative rich with perseverance, camaraderie, and hope. As he runs the field one last time, the roar of the crowd is not just applause; it’s a chorus of appreciation for a young man who has become a beacon of positivity within his school and community.
