Backous Returns to Coach Faith Men’s Soccer Team

ANKENY, Iowa—The all-time winningest coach in men's soccer history at Faith, Gary Backous, is returning to coach the men's program in 2020.

Backous was the men's coach from 2008-2015, winning Regional Coach of the Year honors three times with a record of 77-69-8. He led the men's team to the national tournament in 2015 and will be replacing Jordan Sauser, who is leaving to become the associate pastor at Harvest Baptist Church in Williamsburg, Iowa.

Backous is a graduate of Buena Vista University with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and a minor in Exercise Science. He holds his Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati. Gary is currently a lieutenant for the Story County Sheriff's Office and serves as a deacon at Nevada Baptist Church in Nevada, Iowa. He has coached soccer for 17 years at the youth, high school, club, and collegiate levels.

"I'm very excited to welcome back Gary Backous as our next head men's soccer coach," said Faith Athletic Director Brian Fincham. "Gary is a proven winner who is excited about the opportunity to serve again at Faith and disciple our men's soccer team through the avenue of athletic competition. I am thrilled for the opportunity to work with Gary and am looking forward to having him back on campus working with and discipling our young men."