AMHERST, N.Y. (WKBW) — On Saturday evening, the WNY community lost a coaching legend. John Faller, a longtime coach at Sweet Home High School in both lacrosse and football, passed away at the age of 70.
Our Sweet Home Community is sad to learn of the passing of John Faller, former PE Teacher, Football & Lacrosse Coach, & AD. Thank you coach for touching & impacting the lives of so many!@SHSCentral @PrincipalSHHS @OSHAA8617 @PatrickJNagy @SweetHomeHSFB @SweetHomeCSD https://t.co/2aLnWww7Ja
— Sweet Home Athletics (@SHCSDAthletics) July 14, 2019
Faller spent 31 years as part of the Panthers Athletics Department and School. On the football field, his teams compiled a record of 217-84-1 that includes multiple Section VI titles and two New York State Championships. On the lacrosse field, his teams won six Section VI titles and 373 games. He was inducted into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame in 2018.
Before his coaching career, Faller played football for the University at Buffalo and later for the Twin City Geminis semi-pro team.
Many schools and communities shared their condolences on social media. Below are some of the tweets that have been posted since Faller's passing.
We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Coach John Faller. WNY lost a great educator, coach, and mentor. Thoughts and prayers are with his family and the entire Sweet Home High School community.
— SJCI Athletics (@SJCIAthletics) July 14, 2019
The Ken-Ton Athletic Dept expresses our sincere condolences to the family of a coaching icon, Coach John Faller of Sweet Home. We reach out to Panthers past & present. It was an honor to compete against his teams.
— Ken-Ton Athletics (@KenTonAthletics) July 14, 2019
Clarence Football is sad to hear of the passing of legendary Sweet Home Coach John Faller. John was a role model to coaches of my generation. He did it right. RIP Coach Faller. Good man.
— Clarence Football (@REDDEVILSVFB) July 14, 2019
I’m sorry to hear of the passing of @UBuffalo alum and former @UBFootball student-athlete John Faller. He was a coaching legend for Sweet Home HS. Never had a chance to meet him but I’ve heard great things. A true mentor. Thoughts and prayers to his and the Sweet Home Family.
— Mark Alnutt (@Alnutt41) July 14, 2019
Just heard the news. Sweet Home Panther legend John Faller has passed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and the Sweet Home Panther community. So sad. Too soon. @SweetHomeHSFB @SHCSDAthletics @SH__Baseball
— STARPOINT FOOTBALL (@Spointfootball) July 14, 2019
Alden Football sends condolences to the entire Sweet Home family on the loss of Coach Faller. John was first class and had a great impact on young people and the WNY football community. pic.twitter.com/TjMxkzUAUM
— AldenBulldogFootball (@AldenFootball) July 14, 2019
RIP John Faller. Legendary coach, even better person. Western New York lost a special one. pic.twitter.com/2tEctPcqz3
— CSP Wolfpack (@CSPfootball) July 14, 2019
