OKLAHOMA CITY (July 23, 2021) – The Oklahoma state chapter of the United States Bowling Congress will recognize Oklahoma Christian coach James Hayes with its annual Trailblazer Award for 2021.

The award will be formally presented on July 31 during the Oklahoma State USBC Jamboree and Annual Meeting, which will be held at Memorial Road Church of Christ, adjacent to the OC campus.

According to the Oklahoma chapter's website, the award is presented to a "person has shown enthusiasm in promoting the sport and pioneering innovative programs to enhance the bowling experience on a state or local level." Mark Ellis, the Oklahoma State USBC president, said current Oklahoma USBC Hall of Fame member Dicki Ward nominated Hayes for the honor.

A quote from Ward's nomination reads: "James is now building a new bowling program with the Oklahoma Christian University Eagles. He says OC was an easy choice for him given their commitment to the students, faculty, staff and their Christian community. James is not only interested in building a successful bowling program, but is passionate about encouraging student athletes to focus and succeed academically."

Hayes, who lives in Edmond, has served as the coach of the Eagles' men's and women's programs since they began competing with the 2018-19 season. Before starting the OC programs, Hayes spent seven seasons as the club bowling coach at Central Oklahoma and three years as the coach for Edmond Memorial High School's program. He bowled collegiately for Bowling Green State.

"We are extremely proud of James," OC Athletic Director David Lynn said. "He is certainly extremely deserving of this honor from the USBC. James absolutely loves bowling. He thrives on the competition and our teams have been extremely fortunate to have such an experienced coach leading them. James started OC bowling with grit and determination and has built our team extremely quickly into a regional contender. I look for great things to come from his programs."

Hayes said he is "humbled and honored" by the recognition from the Oklahoma USBC.

"Everything I do is for the athletes and to give back to the sport that has been so good to me over the years," Hayes said. "There have been a lot of great people that have received this award over the years and I am honored to stand beside them as a fellow recipient."