Longtime OSMS Coach Dave Gaunce to Serve as Homecoming Grand Marshal
Presenting your 2026 Homecoming Parade Honorary Grand Marshal, Coach Dave Gaunce!
Originally from Kentucky, Coach Dave Gaunce is a retired Ocean Springs educator and coach of 39 years, with 22 of them spent as a P.E. teacher at Ocean Springs Middle School. While working more than two decades at OSMS, Gaunce also served as the longtime Head 8th Grade Football and Boys Basketball Coach.
Prior to joining Greyhound Nation in 1994, Coach Gaunce spent 10 years coaching track and football in Gautier. Following his retirement from OSSD in 2016, Gaunce coached football and basketball for seven years at St. Patrick Catholic High School.
In his career spanning across almost four decades, Coach Gaunce had an immeasurable impact on thousands of students and staff as a coach, coworker, mentor, and role model. Guided by his strong and unwavering faith, Coach Gaunce left a lasting impression on everyone who was fortunate enough to know him across his 39-year career.
In November 2021, the legendary coach faced one of his toughest battles to date, as he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer the day before Thanksgiving. The man known for his radiant positivity and uplifting spirit took the challenge head on, and defeated the nasty disease. However, in July of this year, doctors determined a spot on Coach Gaunce’s lungs to be malignant, and Coach is fighting cancer for the second time.
Gaunce’s wife of more than 44 years, Dronda, is a retired English teacher from OSMS. Together they have two daughters and one grandchild. OSSD is honored to welcome back Coach Dave Gaunce as the 2026 Homecoming Parade’s Honorary Grand Marshal!