“The will to win is not as important as the will to prepare to win.” ~ Former Ohio State Head Coach Woody Hayes.
Woody Hayes, head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes football team, circa 1958
Woody Hayes Bio: Wayne Woodrow “Woody” Hayes (1913–1987) was the iconic head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes for 28 seasons (1951–1978), amassing 238 wins, 13 Big Ten titles, and five national championships. Known for his “Three Yards and a Cloud of Dust” offensive style and his fierce devotion to discipline and preparation, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1983.
This specific quote is a foundational pillar of his coaching philosophy and is most notably featured in his 1973 book, You Win With People. It is also a staple of the National Football Foundation (NFF) coaching retrospectives and the Ohio State University archives.
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