Farrell's goal becomes reality

Jim Farrell received a care package Thursday.

In it were shirts, foam No. 1 fingers and other items from Buffalo Grove.

That was just a nice bonus to Farrell's big prize from BG on Thursday morning -- its job as head football coach.

"I was elated -- it's something I've wanted to do ever since I've been a high school kid," said Farrell, a 1992 Daily Herald All-Area football player at Fremd and an assistant coach the last eight years at Elk Grove. "To have it come to fruition, I'm excited about the opportunity to go to BG and do great things for kids and work the staff there.

"Today was probably one of the best days of my professional life for sure. It was a good, good day."

Farrell, who is also Elk Grove's boys head track coach, hopes to have as many good days as his two predecessors in one of the Mid-Suburban League's most tradition-rich programs.

Grant Blaney was 111-54 in the school's first 16 years of varsity football. Rich Roberts was 102-74 the last 18 years before retiring.

But BG, which has won 10 MSL division titles, won a state title in 1986 and took second in 1978, has had four consecutive losing seasons for the first time in its history.

"BG is definitely a winner," Farrell said. "I don't think it's going to take a long time to get BG to where it has been and where it will continue to be."

Farrell was a standout receiver on Fremd's first undefeated regular-season team in 1992 and finished his college career at Western Illinois. He also had a brief stint with the Bears and played arena football.

Farrell's five years as Elk Grove's offensive coordinator included its 11-1 Class 7A quarterfinal team in 2004.

"(It all) makes him more than ready and capable to accept this responsibility," said BG assistant principal for student activities Mark Schaetzlein in a statement. "Beyond all the knowledge and experience Jim brings to this football program is his commitment toward developing the complete student-athlete who we can be proud of both in and out of the classroom."

That's something Farrell took from Joe Samojedny, his coach at Fremd.

"He made good football players," Farrell said. "But he also made fine young men."

On the field, there isn't much question to how Farrell wants his teams to play.

"It will be pretty safe to say we'll be a wide-open, fast-break type of offense," Farrell said. "We'll try to push the ball down the field and throw it.

"But we've got a great tailback (Josh Hampton) returning and one of the things you've got to do is match your schemes with what your kids can do."

Farrell credited Elk Grove head coaches Bruce Bazsali and Tom Whalen for helping prepare him for the BG opportunity. Farrell also becomes the second Bison head coach in his family with his brother Mark ready for his third year at Fenton.

And Jim Farrell has a "here and now" plan to get BG stampeding back toward to the top of the MSL East.

"Not making the playoffs ends here and trying to run a few together starts now," Farrell said. "Excuses end here and ownership starts now."