A large gathering of older men sporting Moeller High School blue and gold congregated at the Miami Boat Club Saturday to honor a man who commands instant respect from his long association with the school.
A 178-23-2 record, 12 Greater Catholic League championships, five Ohio state championships and four mythical national titles will earn you a statue and the occasional large celebration.
Around 1 p.m. Saturday when a white Moeller transportation van rolled into the private facility along the Little Miami River, Gerry Faust was given a hero's welcome. He turned 86 on Friday and this day was to honor him for helping mold many men of Moeller.
"For He's A Jolly Good Fellow" broke out as the architect of the school's football program got out of the van with his family waving like a national political figure. Actually, former House Speaker John Boehner, a Crusader football player himself, was among the gridiron greats awaiting to greet their former coach.
Former Moeller and NFL player Steve Sylvester was the organizer and local TV sports icon Dennis Janson presided over the event. Janson gave Faust a mini-microphone as the coach immediately launched into a pre-picnic pep talk upon arrival.
"I want to thank all of you for coming but more importantly I want to thank you all for making the decision to come to Moeller High School," Faust said. "You all make Moeller what it is. I'm very proud to be part of it."
After a few waves and handshakes, the coach was whisked to the back deck of the club and put on a chair on a stage. Quickly, former players lined up single-file as they might have as a child waiting to see Santa Claus. Most had nametags, but Faust could remember a snippet or two about them.
He told John Boehner (Class of 1968) he was proud of him. He jokingly sparred with other former Crusaders now in their 70s with quick quips like, "You need a haircut! You need a shave!"
