One last shrine
As the Franklin football program kicks off renovations to Stewart "Red" Faught Stadium, it took a time out to recognize a major part of its past: the stadium’s namesake. A piece of the grass field was transported to the grave of legendary coach, Red Faught, last week. The field is being replaced by a new state-of-the-art artificial turf starting next year. His son, Ed Faught, said that when his father took over in 1957, the program and facilities were far from ideal. For the next 31 years, he worked to shape the program into what it is today. "There were thirty-three players on the initial squad," Ed Faught said. "From there, he was able to recruit some quality players and get the program rolling." Head football coach Mike Leonard also recognizes the profound impact Red Faught had on the program. "When Red took over, the program was not at all on solid ground. The facilities were bad and the talent level was low," Leonard said. "Red was able to come in and implement a new, innovative offense and became known around the country for his unique style." Leonard said he believes Red Faught had a lot to do with the program’s success and also credits him for influencing his own coaching success. "I learned so many things from Red," Leonard said. "He taught me everything from relations with players to his philosophy about the game to his way of thinking. Red never wanted the game to cause him an ulcer. He wanted to relax and enjoy football, and I try to emulate that every day." Leonard also said he makes it a point to teach the players about Faught’s legacy and what he stood for, something that junior quarterback Nick Purichia feels is a big part of the program. "From the minute you step on campus, you hear the name Red Faught. He has done so much for Franklin College and the game of football," Purichia said. "From Faught stadium to ‘Franklin Faughtball’ T-shirts, his legacy is still apparent at Franklin today." That legacy is also recognized before every home game. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have their famous yellow "Play Like a Champion Today" sign. The Michigan Wolverines have the "Go Blue" banner, and the Grizzlies have a plaque of Faught. The plaque graced with Faught’s face is located at the entry way of the stadium, and the players touch it before every game. It is just another way of honoring Faught for his years of dedication. Faught coached the Grizzlies until 1988. As much as the coach loved Franklin football, he still had time to be a loving husband and father to his wife. "I had a really good childhood," Ed Faught said, remembering the times with his dad at practice and the games. "It was an exciting and fun time to be around him, and I’m glad I got to be a part of it all." Ed Faught also pointed out that his mother was a major part of his father’s life, calling her the "ultimate coach’s wife" after seeing her do so much behind the scenes. Ed Faught said he and the rest of his family are thankful for the recognition Franklin has given Red Faught through the stadium’s name and the transplanted grass. "My dad had opportunities to leave, but he never did," Ed Faught said. "This was home to him. The alumni and coaches have always been very gracious, and for that we are very appreciative."
