Tikey Hayes hoists the WPIAL 4A Football Championship Title with the crowd after Aliquippa's 35-21 win over McKeesport on Friday November 24, 2023. (Brentaro Yamane | Cover Three Athletics)
TIKEY HAYES
School: Aliquippa
Position: RB-DB
Year: Senior
Height: 5-10
Weight: 185
ABOUT TIKEY
Tikey had 21 NCAA Division I offers before deciding that Penn State is going to be his future home. When Tikey arrives in 2025, the Nittany Lions are going to see the natural born winner that he is. As he heads into his senior season, he has accumulated 5,917 rushing yards and 80 touchdowns, which is no doubt impressive. With 3 WPIAL titles and 2 PIAA titles, winning is basically the norm for Tikey as he has only lost one high school football game in his career (2022 PIAA 4A Title game against Bishop McDevitt). His last ride as a Quip is going to be something that all high school football fans will be watching. Tikey is also 3,161 rushing yards away from the WPIAL record of most rushing yards in a career. Rushel Shell, currently holds the record with 9,078 (2008-11). You might think it's a lot of yards, but I wouldn't hold anything past Tikey. Oh, and to add to his legacy, he has also won 2 WPIAL basketball titles and 1 PIAA title during his time with Quips. Say this out loud, Tikey has won 5 WPIAL titles and 3 PIAA titles and is looking to win more.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
In three years, you have won 3 WPIAL football titles and 2 PIAA titles. What has your experience been like playing football at Aliquippa?
It’s been amazing, it had its hard times of course but we all go over the hump. All in all, though it’s been a crazy ride full of memories.
Your team lost 16 players from a year ago, what do you think it's going to take to get your team to 4-peat as WPIAL champs and repeat as state champs?
The same thing it always take, us being us.
What is your take on the whole Aliquippa moving up and down conversation? Does it even matter what classification you all play in?
We didn’t really care at all; we just really want to play on Fridays.
Your team added some new transfers this past year including stars like Daiveon Taylor, Larry Moon, Jamar Allen, Ray Miller, JJ Work and Sa'Nir Brooks. What's it been like so far practicing and working out with them?
It’s been smooth, you know, those guys are really talented and are great additions to our team.
Since Coach Mike Warfield became head coach in 2018, the success that he has led multiple graduation classes has been extraordinary. What's it like playing for him?
Oh man, don’t get me started. Coach Mike, he's a "take no nonsense guy", so everything has to be good or better and at 100%.
Ok, so how did you get into football and what made you continue to play?
My uncle got me into football because he was a coach and I continued to play because I just love this sport and could die for it.
What is the biggest thing that you have been working on this offseason?
Speed, speed and speed
You committed to Penn State back last September? What was the ultimate decision for you committing there?
It’s a big family environment and of course I had been there.
You still have time to decide, but what would you want to major in at Penn State?
Economics because that’s where the money is.
Are there any individual goals that you have thought about?
Being the leading rusher this year.
Are you going to the 210ths Top 150 Camp on Sunday and if you are, what are you most excited about for this year's event?
Yes, I want to show everyone that I can run routes.
Do you plan on buying the new video game EA Sports College Football 25 later this month?
Yup
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I’m really a funny person.
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