GOD, COUNTRY, NOTRE DAME
GOD, COUNTRY, NOTRE DAME
Success is often defined differently by each person. I’m not entirely sure what it looks like for me. However, it likely involves living a life characterized by integrity, strong moral principles, and ethical standards. This definition can vary significantly among individuals based on their personal standards. Often, people measure success through specific achievements. For example, a politician might view winning elections as a sign of success. For a business owner, success could be indicated by annual revenue, while a coach might measure success based on the number of games won each year. I believe that success can be defined, but many individuals have a striking misconception of success.
I have been a devoted Notre Dame fan since the early 1970s. Back then, I would play football alone in my front yard, using bushes as imaginary receivers. I would run with the football, fall to the ground, pretending to get tackled. It must have been an amusing sight for my neighbors. I can almost hear them now, “Poor kid doesn’t have any friends.” However, in my mind, the crowd was cheering me on. One moment, I was Roger Staubach; the next, I was Joe Montana. As a kid in grade school in the Roxana School District, I imagined being Bill Vinyard, the 1976 All-State quarterback for the Roxana Shells. While we all recognize Staubach and Montana, Vinyard holds a crucial place in Roxana’s history. 1976 was particularly significant for Roxana, as Bill Vinyard played a vital role in making the “Shell Machine” competitive. That year, they reached the semi-finals of the state playoffs for the first time, and Vinyard was named All-State. Emulating great players and dreaming big is fantastic. Our youth allows us to think beyond the ordinary.
This week, Gerry Faust, who coached Notre Dame from 1981 through the 1985 season, passed away. If you are a Notre Dame fan, one word often comes to mind when discussing Faust and his record of 30 wins, 26 losses, and 1 tie at the school: “Horrible!” But is this an accurate reflection of the man and the coach? Delving deeper into Faust’s life will give you a greater appreciation of the definition of success. No, Faust did not lead Notre Dame to great heights, let alone a National Championship. But, his accomplishments and character extended far beyond his five seasons at Notre Dame. Reflecting on Faust’s passing, I thought back to those years. While it’s true that those seasons were not successful and watching Notre Dame was not enjoyable, labeling Faust a failure as a coach is unfair and misleading.
For Coach Faust, becoming the Head Football Coach at Notre Dame was a dream come true. As a devout Roman Catholic, he aspired to be part of the Notre Dame program. Initially, he dreamed of being the Fighting Irish’s starting quarterback. However, after his senior season in high school, he realized he did not possess the talent needed to become the future quarterback for the Irish. Consequently, he redirected his ambitions toward one day becoming the head coach.
Faust has an impressive coaching record in high school football. He achieved remarkable success at Moeller High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he built the program from the ground up. From 1962 until he became the Head Coach at Notre Dame in 1980, Faust compiled an outstanding record of 174 wins, 17 losses, and 2 ties. His teams went undefeated for seven seasons, earning four national prep championships and five Ohio state championships. Recognizing his contributions to high school football, he was inducted into the National Federation of State High School Associations Hall of Fame in 2004.
Gerry Faust was known for his strong character, attention to detail, and demand for discipline and high standards from his players. When Dan Devine stepped down after the 1980 season, Notre Dame took a risk by hiring Faust. Although his record at Notre Dame is often viewed as a failure, his remarkable success at Moeller High School was a significant achievement that is not easily replicated. Despite his challenges, Notre Dame deemed it worthwhile to embark on the “Bold Experiment.”
Regis Philbin recalled in an ESPN documentary about Faust in 2007, “Guy praying for something all his life, and one day he got it.” Coach Faust never saw his time in South Bend as a disappointment or failure. He was always thankful for his time as the Head Coach of Notre Dame. In The Los Angeles Times in 2008, he said, “I only had 26 miserable days at Notre Dame, and that’s when we lost.”
In the 1980s, I viewed Gerry Faust as a poor coach. However, I now acknowledge that I was mistaken. He didn’t achieve the record or the desired outcome at Notre Dame, but to label him as a failure was a mistake. Coach Faust achieved remarkable success throughout his career! So what if his time at his dream job lasted only five years? He had a strong resume and portfolio that justified his opportunity. His impact on countless young lives is extraordinary. He pursued his dreams and took advantage of the opportunities presented to him. To me, that is true success.
Reflecting on the Gerry Faust era of Notre Dame Football brings back memories of great dreams. I fondly recall those days in the front yard, living out fictional football stories and imagining greatness. It also leads me to ponder what success truly means and how we measure it. Everyone has their own way of defining success, but for me, it involves seizing the opportunities before us and pursuing them with unwavering commitment.
We can’t always compare our success to that of others; sometimes, it requires soul-searching to recognize our achievements. If we pursue our God-given dreams and help others improve, I believe that constitutes true success. Faust undoubtedly influenced many young men who went on to achieve remarkable things. While success may not always have a clear definition, I appreciate how former Notre Dame Head Coach Lou Holtz articulated it: “Everybody is looking for instant success, but it doesn’t work that way. You build a successful life one day at a time.”
“Cheer, Cheer for Old Notre Dame, Wake up the Echoes Cheering Her Name, Send a Volley Cheer on High, Shake Down the Thunder from the Sky. What though the Odds be Great or Small, Old Notre Dame will WIN over all, While Her Loyal Son’s are Marching Onward to VICTORY.”
GO IRISH
Rich Binning is a researcher, investigator, and freelance writer based in Southeast Asia. He supports missionaries in spreading the message of Jesus Christ and works towards ending child trafficking and sexual exploitation. Rich is well-educated in Biblical Studies, Historical Studies, and Political Science, which equips him to comprehend the intricacies of cross-cultural missions and anti-trafficking efforts. He applies his research and investigative skills to solve complex issues effectively.
Become a monthly supporter or give a one-time gift to help Rich continue to serve vulnerable and exploited children in Southeast Asia. All Gifts are tax-deductible.
https://www.equipnet.org/missionaries/rbinning