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"I've always loved the game — that's never changed — but I never expected anything like this,'' said Gauvain, who started at Chaminade Prep as a PE teacher and varsity soccer coach in 1988. "It's been 38 years and honestly I still really enjoy what I'm doing. I love the challenges of coaching at this level and I love being around the kids. They keep me young. I know that's cliche, but it really is true. You feed off their enthusiasm and their energy.

"On top of that, they're a huge help when I have trouble with my computer or my cell phone."

Gauvain, who also coaches the girls program at Summit, hit a milestone when he picked up career victory No. 700. That puts him third on the list of Missouri boys' coaches behind retired coaches Terry Michler of CBC and Vince Drake of St. Thomas Aquinas-Mercy and Trinity.

"I knew I was getting up there, but it's not like I keep count," said Gauvain, 63. "I have a lot of respect for Terry, Vince, Greg Vitello, Dave Robben, Mike Villa and Ebbie Dunn and so many more. I know I learned something about the game from each and every one of them. To even be mentioned with guys like that, it's pretty cool."

Gauvain played for Steve Bettlach at St. Mary's High and went on to play in college at SIU Edwardsville for the legendary Bob Guelker. Gauvain coached Chaminade to state championships in 2001, 2002 and 2006.

"I've been blessed to coach a lot of outstanding players during my career, and I love when those guys come back to see us," he said. "One thing that stands out to me is how many of those guys talk about how much they'd love the opportunity to get back on the field and play just one more game here."

With early-season wins over Metro Catholic Conference rivals SLUH and CBC, Chaminade is off to 3-1-1 start this season. The Red Devils, competing at the Class 3 level this fall, will travel to Peoria, Illinois, this weekend for games against Chicago-area powers Naperville North and Morton Cicero.

"Chaminade's been tremendously supportive, allowing our teams to travel and push the program forward,'' Gauvain said. "Over the years, we've been able to make some incredible trips — New York, San Francisco, New Mexico, North Carolina, Indianapolis — that have added to the boys' experiences.

"We're off to a great start this season, and I'm excited to see what we can do the rest of the way. We just have to keep working at it."

Another key to Chaminade's success is the Red Devils' coaching staff. Gauvain's assistants include Joe Morgan, who coached the Rosary boys to a title in 1991 and the Ursuline girls to a pair of runner-up state finishes, and Chaminade grads Tim Sartori and Jake Pesek. Chaminade's athletic director Tom Fernandez also previously coached with Gauvain.

"I've surround myself with outstanding people and great coaches, guys who care about this program and who've played a huge role in our success,'' Gauvain said. "Even at the younger levels — our sophomore coach, Eric Burdge, was on the first team I coached here — we've got guys who played here and who've had a huge role in the program's success."

Gauvain, who coached in the JB Marine select system for 20 years, has worked previously as a girls' assistant coach at Notre Dame, St. Joseph's Academy and Visitation Academy. He hooked up with Chris Kappler at Summit eight years ago and coached the Falcons' varsity last spring. Summit (18-5) saw its 11-game win streak halted by St. Joe's in the district final. The Angels, in coach Maureen McVey's final season, captured the Missouri Class 3 title.

"I love coaching at Chaminade, and I also love coaching at Summit," Gauvain said.

In addition to coaching, Gauvain and his wife Teresa have owned and run JJ Twjgs Pizza and Pub on Dougherty Ferry Road since 2006.

"I'm there when I can be, but I rely a lot on Teresa during the soccer seasons,'' Gauvain admitted. "She realizes how important soccer is to me."