A Hayward High School coach was awarded the first-ever Coach Beam Service Award by the John Beam Legacy Foundation.
The John Beam Legacy Foundation was created in honor of John Beam, the legendary Oakland coach, to “ensure that his name, his work and his unwavering commitment to uplifting others continues to live on and positively impact the community.”
Along with Hart, Pittsburg High’s Charlie Ramirez also won the service award, while Fremont’s California School for the Deaf’s Nathan Boyes received an honorable mention.
The newly created Coach Beam Service Award highlights coaches of all sports across Alameda and Contra Costa counties and “recognizes high school coaches who go beyond the game—those who treat their players like family, build character and create safe, supportive spaces where student-athletes can truly thrive.”
Hart began coaching at Hayward High as a line coach before he took over the head coach position of the football program four years ago. However, it was not his first time at Hayward High. The high school is Hart’s alma mater, where he played football before transferring to Laney Community College and met coach Beam, who served as his offensive coordinator.
After attending Laney College, Hart transferred to the University of San Diego where he received his undergrad degree, then attended and coached at Montana Western University and at Northwestern State University, where he completed his master’s degree in counseling.
Hart returned to Hayward to work in the school district in the youth enrichment services. “It’s a blessing [to be back in Hayward] because I truly believe that change is made within,” said Hart. “If you want to see change in your community, I feel like you have to come back to it.”
His role at Hayward High is just another example of how much he cares about the youth in the community. As a social-emotional counselor he provides support to students who are disconnected from high school in situations like being in the foster care system, juvenile hall or who struggle with other personal issues. Hart’s goal is to provide them with a pathway and plan to attend college or go to a trade school.
Hart credits his motto of “reach them, teach them” for his connection to his athletes.
“Yes you’re a coach, yes you play football, yes you have all these accolades,” said Hart. “But the kids don’t care about that unless they know that you care about them as a student athlete.”
As the service award winner Hart receives a $7,500 stipend and a $5,000 grant for the athletic program that can be renewed for up to three years.
“A school like Hayward High School, we have to fundraise 90% of what we do for these kids,” said Hart. “I’m trying to teach a college-level program, so I try to [pour] into these programs.”
According to Hart, Hayward High is one of the only high schools in the city that has a three-level football program. With this year’s varsity team being the largest he’s had, a lot of money goes straight into uniforms at the beginning of the season. With the grant money, Hart already has plans to use the funds for helmets as more students join the team into the season.
“There’s a lot of things that we pay for as we go,” said Hart, “so this is going to help us fund our program and get to the next level.”
For Hart, winning the award is something that hits home because of his personal connection to Beam—not only as a coach when he was attending Laney College, but as a mentor when he began coaching.
“All of the acknowledgement that you’re doing something great for the community of Hayward,” said Hart “[and] being able to model someone who’s been coaching in Oakland for over 35+ years, really taking over his legacy and building one that’s like his, is immense.”
For more information about the John Beam’s Legacy Foundation or the service award, visit coachbeamslegacy.org.
