Legendary Belfry football coach, Philip Haywood, dies after car wreck
PIKE COUNTY, Ky. (WCHS) — Philip Haywood, long-time coach of Belfry High School football team the winningest high school coach in Kentucky, died Wednesday following a car crash that occurred over the weekend, according to reports.
Haywood coached for 50 seasons, led Belfry to eight state championships over his 40-year tenure and boasted in impressive a record of 491 -160, according to Mountain Top Sports.
Freddie Bowling, the superintendent of Pike County Schools, released a statement on the district’s social media on Wednesday regarding Haywood’s death.”It is with deep sadness that we mourn the passing of Coach Haywood, Kentucky’s winningest high school football coach, whose legacy goes far beyond his record,” the statement said. “Known for his integrity, Christian values, leadership, and kindness, he touched the lives of countless players, coaches, and communities.”
“His commitment to excellence was matched only by his dedication to shaping young men of character, both on and off the field. He will be greatly missed, but his impact will continue to inspire future generations,” the post continued.
Floyd County School District also shared their condolences in a social media post that highlighted Haywood’s accomplishments as a coach and as a person.
The neighboring Martin County football said in a post following his death. “The Martin County Football family extends our thoughts and prayers to Coach Haywood’s family, friends, the Belfry Pirates football program and the Belfry community,” the post said.
The day that the vehicle crash occurred, the coach was taken to the University of Kentucky Hospital in Lexington where he was reportedly responsive and in stable condition, according to a Belfry football social media post. The post also thanked the community for continued prayers for Haywood and his family.