Let’s talk about that kick. You know the one—56 yards, right down the middle, Senior Day, Reser Stadium losing its collective mind. For Everett Hayes, it wasn’t just the end of a football game; it was the culmination of years of hard work, grit, and overcoming obstacles. And honestly? It was one of the best feel-good moments of the 2024 season.

Let’s set the stage. Oregon State was battling it’s bestie, Washington State, both teams desperate for a win. For the Beavs, it was about pride, momentum, and honoring the seniors who’d poured so much into the program. For Hayes, though? This was personal.

Injuries had sidelined him for parts of the past two years, and it’s no secret that the kicker position is one where second chances don’t come easily. But Hayes stuck it out. He worked, waited, and when the opportunity came to deliver in the biggest way possible, he didn’t flinch.

With the game on the line and the stadium on edge, Hayes took the field for a daunting 56-yard attempt. This wasn’t just a field goal—it was a moment. A chance to leave a mark. And as the ball sailed through the uprights, the Beavs took the lead, the fans erupted, and Hayes became a legend. Fun fact: that kick tied for the fourth-longest in Oregon State history. Not too shabby for a guy many had written off.

Moments like this remind us why we love Beaver football. Sure, the season didn’t go as planned, and there were plenty of tough breaks along the way. But Everett’s kick gave us something special—a reason to cheer, to celebrate, and to believe in the magic of Senior Day at Reser.

So here’s to Everett Hayes. To redemption. To never giving up, even when the odds are stacked against you. If that isn’t the perfect Beaver story, we don’t know what is.