Bears honor Buffalo Grove coach

Buffalo Grove High School's head varsity football coach Jim Farrell was recently selected by the Chicago Bears as "Coach of the Week" for Week 5 of the nine-week season.

The Bison have played in some messy, rainy games this season with great success, including a close (39-33) upset over state-ranked, previously undefeated Prospect High School.

"This is a great honor for our entire program, that win (against Prospect) was big for our entire program, and that week was a great high school game to be part of," said Farrell. "Our players fought hard to come out on the right end of the score board."

"We are very proud of Coach Farrell and the entire team for earning this recognition by the Chicago Bears," said Buffalo Grove's Assistant Principal for Student Activities, Mark Schaetzlein. "The award is indicative of the fine work that is made on a daily basis within our football program."

The Coach of the Week program was created to recognize coaches who develop players' football skills and knowledge, character and leadership, discipline, teamwork abilities, and offer consistent contributions to their programs, players and communities. Graduation rates, school and fan support and, most importantly, contributions to players' long-term success on and off the field are also included.

The 2009 "Coach of the Week" winners will be recognized during the Bears vs. Rams game on Dec. 6 during a halftime ceremony.

Farrell will join the other honorees as they receive a framed certificate signed by head Coach Lovie Smith, and they attend a Bears practice, lunch with Coach Smith and a and "chalk-talk."

Buffalo Grove High School's football program, as the other winning coaches' programs, will receive a $1,500 contribution made by the Chicago Bears organization. Visit myfoxchicago.com/dpp/sports/fox_jox/Week_5_Farrell_Named_Coach_of_The_Week.