AMHERST, N.Y. (WKBW) — Tears, shock and sadness are filling the hearts of many people as well-known, retired Sweet Home High School football & lacrosse coach John Faller died unexpectedly at age 70.
"Coach Faller was incredibly successful on the field for his wins and losses, but his greatest success is in the character of the people who live on," said Sweet Home Central School District Superintendent Anthony Day.
During a four-decade career, Coach Faller inspired thousands of students and became one of the most winning high school coaches in WNY history.
He was inducted into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame.
Faller retired from coaching in 2017.
A makeshift memorial is now growing at a panther statue located by the Sweet Home High School athletic fields.
The statue was built with funds that were raised with the assistance of Coach Faller.
Superintendent Day said the school district is still making plans for a future memorial to honor the coach.
However, from now until Coach Faller's funeral, a single light will be turned on at the football/lacrosse fields at 7 p.m. to remember the coach - as that is the time his teams would normally take the field, explained Superintendent Day.
7 Eyewitness News Reporter Ed Reilly spent the day talking to people about the legendary coach.
