Sweet Home's John Faller retiring from coaching

2017 will be the final year John Faller will roam the sidelines at Sweet Home high school.

Faller coached his final season of varsity football with the Panthers this past fall and will step away from coaching after lacrosse season.

John Faller: "As time goes on, you learn that nothing lasts forever." @SHFootball16 @SHSCentral #Panthers #CoachingLegend @WKBW pic.twitter.com/Or2T0kVVzj

— Nick Filipowski (@NICK_WKBW) January 7, 2017

“Sometimes it's bittersweet," he told 7 Eyewitness Sports Reporter Nick Filipowski over the phone.  "I’ve been coaching and teaching there since 1974.  I started the varsity team in 1986 for football and lacrosse since 1977. It was time to go."

On the football field, Faller helped guide the Panthers to eight Section VI Football Championships and two state titles, in 2008 and 2009.

"You talk about getting to that point and a lot of us never do," Faller said.  "You try to get to a division championship and as sectional championship and then to finally have it happen and win beyond that, that’s quite a thing.”

Faller finished his football coaching career with a 217-84-1 overall record.  He also won 16 division titles.

.@SHFootball16 @SHSCentral John Faller on his coaching legacy @WKBW #Panthers #CoachingLegend pic.twitter.com/ytEY9jfiIQ

— Nick Filipowski (@NICK_WKBW) January 7, 2017

“It’s been a good time. I have no regrets at all," he added.  "I’m glad I had a chance to coach at Sweet Home.”

Faller also helped guide the Panthers' lacrosse team to six sectional titles.

Caught up with @SHFootball16 John Faller, who coached his last FB season this past fall & will officially retire from coaching after LAX pic.twitter.com/2OWqVz4GmU

— Nick Filipowski (@NICK_WKBW) January 7, 2017