Every now and then, I come across a story or piece of information that I feel will be worth commenting on and writing about. In our little corner of the world, some mistakenly believe that nothing significant ever happens or goes on. Many even have the audacity to say that there is nothing in Dillon. However, I beg to differ from the opinion of those former residents of Dillon, who have migrated to other areas of the state or nation, due to either employment opportunities or personal desires. I have been very fortunate indeed to have practically traversed the globe and to have met intriguing and interesting people from heads of state, a Nobel Laureate, scholars, entrepreneurs, and most precious of all, common people (like myself) on four of the seven continents of the earth. These journeys have taken me to countries and cities that most will only read about in a magazine or hear about on CNN, Fox, CSNBC, or any of the other news outlets. Though I have found these diverse places and people to be truly fascinating and culturally enlightening, there is no place like home regardless of our lack of culture, entertainment, establishments, or any of the other things that certain people are drawn to in these so-called more cultured and sophisticated cities.
Now that I have censored the opinion of those who believe that Dillon has nothing to offer, I will devote the remainder of my column today commenting on the subject of this piece. As a Newtown original, I have been well acquainted with Tyshawn, Eri’reon, and Zareon Hayes through the fact of knowing their late, fraternal great-grandmother, Mrs. Hattie Ford, their grandfather, Ronald Ford, and maternal grandmother, Mrs. Gloria German, who just happens to be related to my wife. In a time and place like Newtown, when most of the young men who are fortunate to finish high school find it challenging, if not difficult, to go to college or at least find gainful employment, which is often their own doing for not seeking jobs at the many places that are hiring. It is very encouraging to discover three brothers who were born and raised in Newtown, played and excelled on most of the Wildcat championship teams, and who have escaped the gangs, drugs, and all of the other negatives that lure, entangle and destroy many of the young men and women who call Newtown home. Such is the case with the three Hayes brothers. Newtown is a rough and roguish little community that stifles the breath and steals the hope and dreams of most of its young people. Though some are fortunate enough to elude and escape the thieves and destroyers of talents, dreams, and potentials, far too many have fallen victim and prey to these predators who are on the prowl in search of young men and women who are lazy, visionless, and without ambition or determination to shun the street life (like the young undesirables who gather daily at the end of a certain street in Newtown). Whatever is working for the Hayes brothers and has motivated them to strive to excel beyond their high school football days (where each were stars and standouts on the gridiron field) is worth considering in hopes that other young people might be inspired to incorporate their formula in the quest for success.
Perhaps at the top of the list of what has helped to make the Hayes brothers successful is the support of their family. From their parents to their maternal grandmother, these athletic siblings have received much encouragement and support to strive for excellence. They have been their lead cheerleaders, not only on Friday nights during football season, but also they have encouraged them to go to college and get a degree. Another thing that I have observed about the Hayes brothers that has been an asset and credit to their upbringing is that they are good boys with good attitudes. They have been raised by old-school principles that are very evident if you have ever spent any time around them. They are very mannerly, respectful, and still say “yes sir” and “yes ma’am” to their elders. Though they have never made a claim to be angels, they have managed to stay clear of bad company, as well as out of trouble. This is very important for any young person who has aspirations to succeed in life, regardless of their pursuits or profession. The Hayes brothers have obviously learned how to be selective and discreet about the company they keep and that the people who you hang out with will either decrease you or increase you. The final thing that I want to consider in regard to how the Hayes brothers are beating the odds is two-fold. First, the concept of sibling rivalry comes into play. Sibling rivalry, though it might at first sound like a bad or negative thing, can actually be constructive and positive when those in the rivalry are not envious of one another. It can serve as a source of motivation, an impetus to compel everyone involved to a greater degree of competition and excellence. A good historical example of positive sibling rivalry was exemplified in the lives of the four Kennedy brothers: Joseph Jr., John, Robert, and Edward. Their rivalry ultimately produced the thirty-fifth President in the person of John Fitzgerald Kennedy. A more contemporary example of positive sibling rivalry can be found in the sports world. Peyton and Eli Manning, who have won two Super Bowl championships each, can no doubt attribute their success as quarterbacks to some degree to positive sibling rivalry. To find examples right here in our backyard, we need to look no further than the Jordan brothers – Art, Cooper, and Thomas – as well as the Goings brothers, who have always benefitted from positive sibling rivalry as athletes, students, bricklayers, and finally men of the cloth.
Finally, the principle of following the leader or the eldest is what has worked for the Hayes brothers. Tyshawn, as the eldest of the three, pioneered and paved the way for his brothers, Eri’reon and Zareon. This chain of sibling imitating sibling that is now three deep has proven to be one of the primary reasons why the Hayes brothers have been able to beat the odds. Hopefully, their example will serve as an inspiration for other young people in Newtown, as well as throughout Dillon County and beyond. For if the Hayes brothers can beat the odds, so can any young person with ambition, drive, and determination.