There’s not many Dave Faust’s out there anymore.
Mainly because he’s one of a kind.
On Monday, the longtime St. Henry boys’ basketball coach decided it was time to retire.
“It’s time,” Faust said. “People told me you will know. This season didn’t have anything to do with it, just had time to sit and think about it.”
Faust has been at post for the Crusaders for 33 years and is the 9th Region all-time wins leader with 482 career victories. While students at 3755 Scheben Drive in Erlanger have been priority, Faust wants to prioritize other things in his life now.
“I have two grandchildren now and want to do some traveling with my wife. I’ve had season tickets to Notre Dame (football) and could never leave during the season,” Faust said. “Not fair to my kids, not fair to my assistants. I’ve always wanted to snow ski. Maybe I’ll get to do that.”
The coaching accolades rattle off like a grocery list. On top of the all-time leader in wins in the 9th, he led the Crusaders to three All “A” state championships and eight 9th Region All “A” titles. In 2003, he guided St. Henry to the Sweet 16 after winning the 9th Region title. Faust has won numerous Coach of the Year honors at both the state and local levels. Faust is a member of the Newport Central Catholic Hall of Fame, Thomas More Hall of Fame, Northern Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame and Northern Kentucky Athletic Directors Hall of Fame.
“Coach Faust wasn’t just one of the greatest coaches in Northern Kentucky history — he was a builder of character, a mentor who shaped generations of student-athletes with integrity, passion, faith and heart,” Crusaders Athletic Director Jim Demler said. “We are so thankful for Coach and what he has given to the SHDHS community. Enjoy Retirement Coach!”
The builder of character is what Faust is most proud of. Wins and awards are nice and all, but the thousands of student-athletes under his wing during his tenure were what mattered to him most.
“To be able to see what the kids accomplish beyond the schools I’ve been at. I’ve been fortunate to teach great kids,” Faust said. “They’ve become CEO’s, AAA baseball players, doctors. Just to be able to be part of their lives and be able to see that is extremely rewarding. Just blessed with all these guys and I give credit to the coaches that taught me growing up. “
One of those under him happen to be the principal of the high school, Grant Brannen.
“I’ve known Coach Faust since I was 8 years old and served as his ball boy,” Brannen said. “The love, appreciation, and deep respect I have for him are beyond measure. He’s more than just a role model for our student-athletes—he inspires our entire faculty, staff, and
community. Coach Faust has left an indelible mark on St. Henry. Thank you, Coach, and enjoy your well-earned retirement.”
After graduating from Newport Central Catholic and attending Thomas More University, Faust got his start in coaching as an assistant under Jim Connor at Thomas More. He then went on to Newport to coach the Wildcats before heading back to his alma mater NewCath to coach baseball and be a basketball assistant. He then landed at St. Henry and has been there ever since. In August, St. Henry named their gym after longtime coaches Faust and volleyball coach Maureen Kaiser.
Faust will retire as an educator in the classroom as well at the end of the school year.