North Carolina State University Athletics
Hayes Resigns As Men's Tennis Coach
4/24/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
April 24, 2002
NC State men's tennis coach Eric Hayes has announced that he has resigned from his position effective May 1. Hayes has guided the program since the 1996 season.
"We've established a solid foundation at NC State with the players we've signed who will come in next year and the past successes we've enjoyed," said Hayes. I think we've gotten the program back on its feet and with the new tennis facility on the drawing boards, I think NC State men's tennis is definitely heading in the right direction."
A native of Suffern, N.Y., Hayes took over a program that had won just 23 matches in the three seasons prior to his arrival and led the Wolfpack to a national ranking of 72nd in his third season. Led by All-American Roberto Bracone, Hayes' 1999 squad turned in NC State's first winning season in 11 years and made its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1978.
"I appreciate the opportunity that Les Robinson gave me when he hired me and I appreciate the continued support of Lee Fowler," Hayes continued. "I believe that with him at the helm of the department, the NC State athletic program is in good hands."
"We wish Coach Hayes well in his future endeavors," said Fowler. "We appreciate what he's contributed to the Wolfpack program."
Fowler added that there will be a national search for Hayes' successor and a search committee be formed in the next several weeks.
