Jan 20, 2023 · LEMONT, IL — With the retirement of head coach Bret Kooi, the Lemont High School Board of Education has approved Willie Hayes as the school's head football coach starting with the 2023 season.

Jan 26, 2023 · Following head football coach Bret Kooi’s retirement, William “Willie” Hayes will be taking over the position for the 2023 season. Hayes graduated from Lemont in 2008 and was known as a star of the football team in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

Jan 19, 2023 · Hayes will succeed Bret Kooi, who is retiring after leading the Lemont football program to an 82-18 record in nine seasons. Hayes joined Lemont High School’s faculty in 2013, and has been an instructor in both the Physical Education and Special Education departments.

Jan 23, 2023 · Willie Hayes has known for a long time that what he ultimately wanted was to be the head coach of the Lemont football team. The alum was granted what he called "his dream job" on Tuesday as he replaces the retiring Bret Kooi in guiding the Lemont program.

Aug 16, 2023 · Kooi stepped down after last season and Hayes, who had been defensive coordinator since 2017, took over as head coach for one of the south suburbs’ premier programs. There’s an expectation that Lemont, which has missed the IHSA playoffs only once since 2004, will play deep into November. Hayes fully embraces that.

Dec 30, 2021 · Bret Kooi earned the 2021 South Suburban Conference - Blue Division Football Coach of the Year; Bill Mondrella was recognized for 2021 South Suburban Conference Girls Golf Coach of the Year;...

Apr 7, 2017 · Lemont’s Eric Michaelsen, left, and Bret Kooi are among the latest class to join the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Feb 11, 2014 · At its February 10 meeting, the Lemont High School District 210 Board of Education approved the recommendation to hire Bret Kooi to serve as the school’s head football coach.

Aug 6, 2014 · Bret Kooi couldn’t hide his excitement about becoming Lemont’s new football coach. The exuberance rolled off his tongue similar to a child providing Santa Claus...

Aug 6, 2014 · Bret Kooi wasn’t going to chase just any job — just the right one. The former Lockport and Joliet West coach thinks he found just what he was looking for on Monday night. That’s when the District 210 school board approved the hiring of Kooi as Lemont’s football coach.