Gerry Faust was one of America's most winningest high school football coaches, and preceded the legendary Lou Holtz at Notre Dame. In this inspirational talk Coach Faust relates the dramatic stories from his own life to illustrate the direct connection between our personal success, our prayers, and our faith and trust in God.
Born on May 21, 1935 in Dayton, Ohio Gerard Anthony Faust, Jr., began playing football at Chamindate High School in Dayton. Faust started at quarterback for his dad his last two years, earning All-State honors as a senior in 1953. Faust attended the University of Dayton where he earned three letters in football as a quarterback. A marketing and management student, he received his undergraduate degree in education in 1958 and his master’s degree at Xavier University in 1965.
During his 18 years as head coach, Faust led Moeller to a record of 174-17-2 (.902 winning percentage). Faust’s team won 12 Greater Catholic League championships, 10 city championships, 8 regional championships, 5 state championships, and 4 mythical national championships. Under Faust, the Crusaders enjoyed 9 undefeated seasons and a 53-game (regular season) winning streak from 1972 to 1978. Won 72 of his last 73 games losing the one game 13-12.
Faust coached 22 high school All-Americans and 39 All-Ohio players. Also 265, of his former players continued at the college level. On November 24, 1980, Faust became the 24th head coach of Notre Dame University. His record at Notre Dame was 30-26-1 in five years, with two Bowl appearances.
Faust has received several honors for his coaching efforts that include two National High School Coach of the Year awards, Ohio Coach of the Year, league Coach of the Year and has been inducted into the Chaminade High School Hall of Fame, the Moeller Hall of Fame (which is named in his honor) and Ohio High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
He has also received the Irish Clover Award and Senior Fellow Award, from the student body at Notre Dame, one of only thirteen undergraduate honorary degrees given from the University of Notre Dame, and received honorary membership to the Monogram Club. He is the only football coach to receive all four of these awards. Gerry has written two books: Notre Dame’s Man in Motion, which is out of circulation, and The Golden Dream in its 9th printing. The third book, Tales from Notre Dame Football, which he co-authored, is in print now.
Faust is retired from the University of Akron. He resides in Akron with his wife, Marlene. They are the proud parents of three children, Julie Marie, Gerry III, and Steve and five grandchildren, Megan Marie, Natalie Marie, and Alexandra Michelle, Chloe Frances and Spencer.
