Hayes to Continue as Coach at Canyon High Despite Threats

Greg Hayes, the Canyon High basketball coach, decided Monday to remain at the school despite receiving threats for his role in the Southern Section’s case against Harry Welch, the school’s suspended football coach.

Hayes told Canyon Principal Bill White that he has withdrawn as a candidate for a teaching and coaching position at an Orange County high school and would return to Canyon for his 10th season as basketball coach.

Hayes, who also coaches the softball team and teaches social studies, declined to name the school, but Fullerton is the only school in Orange County with an opening for a boys’ basketball coach.

Hayes said he has been the victim of threats and vandalism since he told the Newhall Signal in May that he witnessed repeated violations of Southern Section rules by the Canyon football program, involving off-season practice. He repeated those charges to Southern Section Commissioner Stan Thomas, who recommended that Welch serve a one-year suspension. The penalty was later reduced to 5 1/2 months.

Hayes has refused to give details about the threats.

Welch, who has posted a 100-19-1 record in nine seasons at Canyon, has not decided if he will pursue legal action in an attempt to overturn the penalty.

White expressed relief that Hayes has remained at Canyon, saying the coach cited his loyalty to the Canyon program.

“He’s got good feelings about the players, parents and the school, and those things are hard to forget when opportunity knocks,” he said. “We’re happy that he’s staying. We’re not looking to replace head coaches, especially when they’re doing a good job.”

Hayes was unavailable for comment Monday.