The 56th annual Bob Hayes Invitational Track and Field Meet convened last weekend at William M. Raines High School. The meet brings hundreds of students, fans and sports enthusiast from around the country for a day of organized competition.
The event is named in honor of Olympian and NFL Pro Bob Hayes Hayes whose legacy includes the 1964 Olympics, where he won two gold medals in the 100 meter race, and was once regarded as the “World’s Fastest Human.”
The meet began in 1964 by Nathaniel S. Washington, Sr. the Athletic Director, Head Coach and Track Coordinator for the five black high schools. Fondly remembered as “Coach Washington,” he was a close friend of Bob Hayes father and knew Bob as a student at Matthew W. Gilbert School.
“For years we have promoted the track meet for the fastest students in the nation. This meet makes a great competition amongst athletes who are heading to college and holds coaches responsible for creating great talent. We are thankful for the 56 years we’ve been in the community. Bob Hayes would be proud,” says organizer, Coach James Day.
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