The Golden Dream

Gerry Faust was a man equally passionate about his faith as he was about football. Although he might not appreciate it, in reading the book I found myself reminded of Jimmy Carter. Both were honorable and honest men who came from humble beginnings and landed the greatest jobs in the country, only to find themselves a bit overwhelmed by the demands and expectations of the positions they held. In this book, Coach Faust presents an honest account of the good times and bad, and provides insight into some of the decisions he made and lessons he learned. He and his co-author also offer the views from others who have a different take on certain situations. The result is a fascinating and balanced account of being at the center of America's most storied college football program. For those who are familiar with Notre Dame, you will also enjoy reading Coach Faust's accounts of his time on campus and his relationships with many of the players, recruits, and the university's administration, specifically Fr. Hesburgh and Fr. Joyce.

I met Coach Faust at ND, where he signed my copy. I attended the University of Notre Dame during his first two years, and I remember defeating LSU and being ranked #1.Coach is a great human being who was given the opportunity of a lifetime. He was not overly successful, but how many get their life-long dream?Easy and fun to read and a great learning experience.

I was at ND for Coach Faust's first two years. I remember his first game win against LSU and being ranked #1. I also recall his inspirational talks in that raspy voice of his.Yes, he did NOT have a great won loss record. But he won some huge games and put a lot of points on the board. (Contrast with Ty Willingham's recent results.) He also recruited many of the players who were part of the 1988 championship.Classy man, inspirational coach and someone whom I will always hold in high regard -- I really enjoyed the book.Jeff, ND Class of 1982.

Gerry Faust represents what is good in sports today. No he did not have great teams at Notre Dame but he is a true role-model for both coaches and athletes. The good natured stories kept you from putting the book down. He truly cares about people. That is what I loved about the book. If more coaches had this approach we would not have cheating, scandels, and a me approach. The book gives the reader confidence that there are good people, not only in sports, but in the world today. You do not have to be into sports in order to appreciate this book. I recommend it to all people of all ages. It will make you feel good!

Only 2 Notre Dame graduating classes -- 1985 & 1986 -- watched Gerry Faust coach ND football for all 4 years they were on campus. Students in those classes, and to a lesser extent the classes of 1982-84, can wax eternal on the love-hate relationship b/w Notre Dame, its followers, and this man.The inconsistency on the field -- beating Michigan at home in the first night game at ND Stadium in 1982; beating No. 1 Pittsburgh; to the 13-13 tie against Oregon, losing 4 straight years to Air Force; the 55-6 Miami debacle in 1985 --is not explained here. But an insight into Faust beyond anecdote is.Faust blames the inconsistency on the revolving door coaching staff. ND followers know, only too well, this to be only partially correct.But the book does provide wonderful anecdotes about the people, games, and times of Notre Dame in the early to mid-1980's.You will put down this volume convinced Gerry Faust is a selfless, Christian man who well represents the University -- a true Notre Dame man. His shoddy treatment at Akron is detailed in surprising candor.The volume fails to explain, however, the mediocrity of his teams. At least under Faust, you never knew which ND team would show up (see e.g.'s above). This inconsistency certainly beat the boredom of watching Bob Davie's arguably worse team in 1997.Well worth the read for those associated with Notre Dame during this time frame. You will leave the book recommending Faust as a wonderful ambassador for the University, if not a very good football coach. And he will make you reflect on what good you have done for others, for he has surely done much.