In 2019, SV Gmunden had to face the bitter relegation from the Upper Austrian league – five years later, the club from the Salzkammergut is back in the highest league in the state. Seven rounds before the end of the season, the championship title in the Landesliga West was secured on Friday with a 6-0 home win once morest Sattledt.
After completing the title piece, things became particularly emotional for master coach Christoph Brummayer: “It’s overwhelming, I’m so proud of my team,” says the 45-year-old, who joined the club as an assistant coach at the end of 2022. Brummayer was able to win the most important match in his life years ago: in 2017 he was diagnosed with testicular cancer and fought for his life for two years: “I was in the hospital for seven months and didn’t know whether I would even be able to get back on the pitch as a coach come back. The title is like a fairy tale come true.”
Together with his wife, he lifted the championship trophy to his parents and his 19-year-old son. “The closest family circle was very important to me, especially during the difficult times. That’s why my direct route following kick-off was to them straight away.”
“I am tired”
After the season, Brummayer is taking a new path: he is handing over as master coach to his long-time companion Markus Waldl, with whom he has already worked at Stadl-Paura and WS/Hertha. Brummayer is taking over the position of sports director in Gmunden: “Everyday coaching is very intense, I’m tired. But I really wanted to stay because the club has grown close to my heart.”
Before the Upper Austria League chapter starts, a party marathon kicked off in the town on Lake Traunsee. From the football field we went to Gmunden in the city on Saturday night – and then back to the clubhouse: “I told the boys: whoever gets home before me has training on Monday. I took a break once today at 7am, but from what I know most of it is still on the move. So you stuck to my instructions,” says Brummayer with a smile.
Author
Raphael Watzinger
Sports editor
Raphael Watzinger
