GET TO KNOW: Louie Hayes
Oct. 19, 2017
As we gear up for and continue through the 2017-18 season, members of the Virginia wrestling team took some time to sit down and answer a few questions to provide a little insight and help our fans get to know them better as student-athletes.
Name: Louie Hayes
Major: Undecided (thinking media studies though)
Classification: Redshirt Freshman
Weight Class: 125
Hometown: Orland Park, Ill.
High School: Carl Sandburg HS
What do you love most about competing as a Virginia Cavalier?
What I love most about competing as a Virginia Cavalier is that I know I represent the best all-around university in the world.
Why did you choose Virginia?
I chose Virginia because of the great academic and athletic background it has to offer, and the staff that comes with it.
What will be your lasting memory of your time as a Virginia Cavalier?
My lasting memory will definitely be hanging out with my teammates. I’ve never met a better group of guys.
What defines a Cavalier?
Having an early morning lift, class for a few hours during the day, practice in the afternoon, studying at night, and then going to bed knowing there’s no other life I’d rather live.
Who or what motivates you in your sport?
Knowing that there are people out there that wish they could still wrestle, but can’t because of injuries. Then I realize how fortunate I am to still be able to compete in the sport I love.
What are your goals for the season?
To win a team ACC title and to be an NCAA All-American.
Favorite family vacation?
Palm Beach, Florida, with my family
Favorite class?
Media Studies
Favorite breakfast food?
Crepes
Favorite movie?
Cheaper by the Dozen
What would you sing at Karaoke night?
Only the Good Die Young by Billy Joel
Teammates would describe you as?
A “hit or miss” on jokes
Who is your hero and why?
My mom because she puts my father and ten brothers and sisters before herself every day, and it doesn’t matter if she’s feeling good or bad, she’ll do it with a smile on her face.
Name one thing most people probably don’t know about you?
I’m one of ten children.
Besides your own sport, what’s a sporting event on Grounds that fans need to experience at least once and why?
Every sport at least once. You’d be shocked how happy us athletes get when we see someone we know in the stands.
If you could play any other sport, what would it be?
Basketball
If you could give any advice to younger athletes entering the sport what would it be?
Win or lose, the sun will rise the next day and your family and friends will still love you.
Nickname (is there a story you can share that goes with it)?
Lou
Favorite holiday?
Christmas
Favorite TV show?
Westworld
What is your biggest fear?
Raccoons
Dream job?
Invent the next big social media app
Best Athletic Memory?
Winning a state title my senior year in high school