Semi-Pro Football Kicks Off at Lake Barrington Fieldhouse

Jon Sahagian, Barrington resident and wide receiver for the semi-pro minor league football team the McHenry Pirates, is actually hoping the NFL lockout continues, because maybe it would give him his shot at the professional level.

“I would love to be out there playing,” Sahagian said of the chance to cross a picket line to play professionally.  “Money is not an issue; I just want to be out (on the field).”

Sahagian played briefly under Barrington High School’s varsity football coach Joe Sanchez between 2002 and 2005. He was unable to continue playing the game he loved due to off the field commitments, but has found away to get back on the field and is entering his third year with the semi-pro Pirates.  Sahagian believes the growth he has seen from the team over the last couple of years is about to payoff.

“I thought like we were there last year,” Sahagian said of the team’s contention for the league’s top spot in the West Division with their 6-3 finish during the 2010 season.  “We have a lot of the same personal from last year, so we should be there again this year.”   

The Pirates, one of the 17 teams that form the MidStates Football League (covering Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana), began six years ago and just recently moved from playing their home games at Jacobs High School to the Lake Barrington Field House.  The semi-pro Pirates, who played one game at the Field House last year, will now call the newly built 85,000 square foot facility home.

“You don’t have to worry about the rain,” Pirates head coach Elieso “Sal” Saldivar said of some of the benefits from playing five home games at the field turf stadium.  “It’s supposed to be about 90 degrees outside on Saturday but we will be playing in the air conditioning; you can’t beat that.”

“We love the field turf and it makes us faster,” Saldivar went on to say.  “It’s a great facility where the fans can come out and really enjoy themselves.”

Not only will the fans enjoy the product on the field but some of the festivities during half time as well.

“We have a commitment to the community to provide affordable football and a fun family experience,” Pat Sharpe, an executive for the Pirates said.  “Highlighting this season will be a Rookies Restaurant (routes 59 and 72 in Hoffman Estates) sponsored half-time Punt, Pass and Kick contest worth $5,000 to the lucky winner.”

Sharpe, who has spearheaded the team’s management since its inception, is one of three minor league hall-of-fame honorees that are part of the staff helping to lead the Pirates this year.  The only head coach McHenry has had, Saldivar, and defensive coordinator Chris Van Stone, will also be lending their skills and knowledge in the game that adopts all the NFL rules, making it easier for the occasional player to make the jump to the professional level.

“We have had a couple of guys make (the transition),” Sharpe said of some of the players he has seen move on to the NFL.  “Leroy McFadden, who was all-everything for Michigan State, actually played on a Monday Night Football Game for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers a few years ago, and it was great to watch him.”

So whether you want inexpensive, fun, sports entertainment or the chance to see a potential NFL player rise through the ranks, than taking in a McHenry Pirates football game is the perfect opportunity.

“For those people that need a football fix, it’s time to come,” Saldivar said.  “It looks like the (Chicago) Bears aren’t playing for a while, but we will be here.”

For more information about the McHenry Pirates or for complete details about the simply visit their website at www.mchenrycountypirates.com