The legendary former Moeller, Notre Dame football coach, dies at 89

CINCINNATI (WXIX) – Legendary Archbishop Moeller High School football coach Gerry Faust, who also coached at Notre Dame University, died Monday at the age of 89, his family announced.

“It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Gerry Faust, loving husband, father, grandfather and coach who dedicated his life to his family, his faith and the teams and players he coached,” his family said in a statement.

“During an extraordinary life, driven by an unwavering and deep commitment to his Catholic faith, he was a beloved mentor to countless young men, both on and off the playing field. His work ethic, optimism, leadership and humility were legendary. He leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, compassion and inspiration, reminding us all of the extraordinary impact a life can have.

“While most knew him as a coach, we will long remember him as a great father and grandfather who inspired us by example to live our best lives.”

Moeller released his own statement describing Faust as “a legendary leader whose faith, work ethic and dedication to his players and the school led to championships on the field while inspiring young men to achieve success on it.”

“Coach Faust embodied everything it means to be a Moeller Man,” said Moeller’s interim president, Carl Kremer. “He inspired his players to be men of faith and character who pursued academic excellence and pushed each other to success. He believed in that brotherhood and defined it in the way he lived.”

As the Crusaders’ head coach for nearly two decades, Faust compiled an extraordinary record of 178-23-2, including twelve Greater Catholic League (GCL) championships, five Ohio state championships and four national titles during his final six years as coach.

“Moeller is a special place,” Faust told FOX19 NOW media partner The Cincinnati Enquirer in 2021. “It’s a family. I’ve always told coaches that the wins on the scoreboard keep their jobs going, but the wins in the hearts of the young men you coach to become winners in life are the real wins. Boy, we’ve had a lot of real wins.

Former players speak with reverence and respect for “Fuzzy,” as he was affectionately known, according to Moeller’s statement.

“Coach Faust treated everyone with respect, from the lowest guy on the team to the best booster and best player,” said Steve Sylvester, a 1971 Moeller graduate who went on to play for Notre Dame and spent nine years in the NFL with Oakland . Robbers.

“His unparalleled energy, deep Catholic faith, love of family, daily work ethic and incredible optimism tell the story of a unique and incredible man. His shattered dream of a lifetime as Notre Dame’s coach taught everyone who knew him how to deal with personal adversity with class, courage and resilience. He taught us so much, more than just being a football player.”

Mike Suter, captain of the 1979 Crusaders, remembered Faust as a “larger-than-life figure, a big personality who filled a room.”

Suter’s uncle, the late Phil Gigliotti, coached with Faust at Moeller, and Suter grew up admiring him. “As a kid, I went to Coach Faust’s summer camps and couldn’t wait to play for him.”

Under Faust, team captains accompanied him before games on a pilgrimage to Mount Adams, where they prayed the rosary on the steps leading to the Immaculata Church. “He put us in his little car, stopped at Wendy’s, bought us dinner and then took us up the stairs to pray,” Suter recalled. “He said, ‘You are the leaders of this team and we are going to pray the rosary together.’ I still pray the steps on Good Friday, and I always think of Gerry Faust.”

Barrett Cohen, Moeller’s director of community engagement, said Coach Faust’s legacy will continue. “Many still associate Coach Faust with Moeller football and the school itself. His impact on Moeller is deep, lasting and will endure. People like Gerry Faust are never forgotten.”

Following his historic success at Moeller, Faust was hired in 1980 to coach the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, where he posted a 30-26-1 record over five seasons, including a 1983 Liberty Bowl victory and an appearance in the Aloha Bowl in 1984.

Although his college coaching career did not match his success at Moeller, Faust remained friendly and positive. “He didn’t blame anyone, he never spoke ill of Notre Dame,” Sylvester said. “And even though his record may not have been the best, the fans still loved him. That shows what kind of person he was.”

Suter talked about Faust’s generosity, even to players on rival teams. “He once made it possible for a young man from Elder High School to walk to Akron,” Suter said. “He was so authentic and selfless: he would do anything for you.”

Do you see a spelling or grammatical error in our story? Click here to report it.

Do you have a photo or video of a current news item? To steer it here for us with a short description.

Copyright 2024 WXIX. All rights reserved.