Serving These Communities
Covering the Heart of Hamilton County Since 1983
It was Alumni Weekend at Archbishop Moeller High School. It was a night to remember good friends and good times. Old timers drinking cold libations while talking about the “big game.” This weekend there was more talk than usual about the good old days and the big game. There was one name that sums up football, good times and big games, Gerry Faust.
On Friday, September 7, it was time for everyone to gather at Archbishop Moeller
High School and revisit friends and to honor a legend. It had been kept a surprise,
although some grandchildren wanted to let it out. It was the unveiling of the Gerry
Faust Athletic Complex. It put tears in Gerry’s eyes. He was so shook up about the
honor, it was definitely noticeable that he had not known in advance. Also unveiled
was a small statue, a replica of the eight-
Gerry Faust's record is an unbelievable one: 174 victories, 17 defeats, and 2 ties. In 73 games from 1975 through 1980, he had one loss on the way to winning five state championships and four mythical national titles. But Coach Faust was known for his caring and Catholic values as well. As one of his former players noted. He really wanted to play for Moeller. He did not make the team. Coach Faust noticed that the young man was upset and said, “You really want to play football, don’t you?” The man said yes. Coach Faust told him, “Go get some pads.” The gentleman did and soon found out he was not football material. But the lesson learned was one of compassion and caring.
Another tradition at Moeller is the praying of the rosary as players walk the steps. This was began by Coach Faust and is still practiced today. The team, Coach Bob Crable and former Coach Faust did the prayers one more time on Friday. In his speech that night he noted that he feels that he was given a great life due to his faith in God and to the saying of prayers. It is another aspect of his life that is tied to Catholic tradition and to the school.
In his speech that evening, after he was given the microphone, the former Moeller coach brought his family up and spoke about the pride he has in them and how his wife, Marlene, was the one who raised them as he was very busy. With his family standing by and with tears in his eyes, Gerry spoke to the people about his time at the high school. His record was not as important to him on this night as the friends he made there. He remembered the teams, coaches and friends that he spoke to by name. He apologized for those he did not name, there are too many to remember. All through his speech, there were cheers for the man as he humbly spoke to everyone. His emotion was apparent and the love for him was too.
At the end of the presentation this writer had a chance to shake the hand of the legend. Gerry reached forward and hugged me like an old friend. I said I was from the Valley Courier and was congratulating him for Les Wilson. He immediately asked about Les. I told him that Les was dead and it moved him. He was sad to hear about Les and noted that Les was a good friend to him. The legend is not only sweet to those whom he has knows, but is still a prince to the press too. I am only sorry I was not around to see the legend do his work on the field. It had to be impressive. It’s no wonder it was the talk of the night and is no wonder that he was given such an honor by the school. He is truly a legend, a friend and a person that embodies the traditions that Moeller football can be proud of.
