Boys of ‘76: 50 Years and the Legacy Continues

Fifty Years Later, the Legend Still Inspires...

In the Winter of 1976, the Center High School Yellowjackets captured more than a state basketball championship. They captured the heart of a city. Led by the steady hand of coach Max Hayes and a roster of players whose talent was matched only by their unity, the Boys of ‘76 played the game with artistry that left opponents in awe and fans on their feet.

This is more than just a sports story. The Boys of ‘76 takes you behind the box scores, into the locker room, and into the lives of young men, coaches and families who made the improbable possible. From prairie beginnings and hard-learned lessons in teamwork to the thrilling moments on the court, their journey is a testament to grit, loyalty and the enduring bonds of friendship.

Drawing on vivid memories, heartfelt interviews, and decades of reflection, author Mike Welsh captures the magic of a team that refused to be ordinary and the coach whose quiet leadership shaped them into champions on and off the court.

Whether you love basketball, small town Americana, or stories of perseverance and camaraderie, the Boys of ‘76 will remind you why some seasons, and some people, stay with us forever.

The scoreboard faded. The friendships did not.