Get to know Pat Wire, BHS baseball coach

Pat Wire, Barrington High School's head varsity baseball coach and assistant football coach, sat down with Barrington Suburban Life contributor Tim Sieck to talk memories and technique. The father and Cary-Grove alum has even competed against his former high school coach.

Sieck: Why did you decide to start coaching?

Wire: Athletics helped shape and mold my life.  Parents and family provide most of the structure while athletics enhances that structure in the complex social world we live in today.  This structure includes and instills discipline, accountability, work ethic, dedication, commitment, vision, and compassion for others.  I felt compelled to share my experiences and time with students and athletes to achieve their untapped potentials.

Sieck: What is it like to coach against your former high school coach Don Sutherland?

Wire: It is like competing against your dad or older sibling. It's the idea of wanting to prove your worth and what they have taught you.  I feel a constant pressure of never wanting to let him or my other mentors down.  I am constantly motivated by that fear. Fear of never letting them down. I am very proud of my time at Cary-Grove and what I have learned from him as well as Bruce (Kay). They are some of the best coaches I have ever come across in the profession and I am so unbelievably grateful to have had them coach me as a player. As you get older, you realize that more and more.

Sieck: How would you define the "Barrington Way"?

Wire: To ensure that we run a high-quality, education-based approach to the game. We do this by following a three-principle system. The first principle is we better out hustle everybody. The second principle is we always try to chase the opposing pitcher. Whether by pitch count or hitting the ball, it's always a goal of ours. Lastly, we're going to have a plan. Whether it is on defense, offense, on the mound, or on the bases, we are thinking about the game within the game. We don't want to be players who react, but players who anticipate. If our coaching staff does that for our players, the winning will take care of itself. It is all about process for me, not results. I am never disappointed if our process is done correctly.

Sieck: What has been the most memorable game of your coaching career?

Wire: Defeating Cary-Grove in the playoffs.  Facing my former coach, on the field I grew up on, and defeated a high quality program lifted my confidence as a young coach in eyes of one of my mentors.

Sieck: What is the best thing about coaching at Barrington High School?

Wire: It is the authentic relationships between coaches, parents, players, and administration. All of the coaches are interconnected and trust one another.  Mike Obsuszt and Steve McWilliams are as supportive and as good as it gets.  We are all in it together. Doing what's in the best interest of student-athletes.