The legendary Ohio State football coach, speaking at his beloved university's commencement, shared the competitive philosophy that defined his career. He admitted that throughout college and coaching, he constantly encountered people who were smarter, bigger, faster, and harder than him. Opposing coaches had much better backgrounds and knew more football. But none of them could outwork him. None could stick in there as long as he could. For Hayes, effort was the one variable entirely within your control — and it was enough.