Junior defensive end Tyler Schmidt is ready for a change — but not to Wauconda’s win-loss record.
After an undefeated regular season that included four shutouts, the Bulldogs have won 15 of their past 17 games over two seasons.
But Dave Mills, the program leader with 58 wins and five playoff appearances in 13 years, announced his retirement after the conclusion of last season, which ended with a 49-20 loss to Prairie Ridge in the second round of the Class 6A playoffs.
Following a lengthy search, Homewood-Flossmoor offensive coordinator Terrance Terry was announced as Wauconda’s football coach last week.
Schmidt said he’s eager to start working with Terry.
“Coming off last season, being so hot, I think I can speak for everyone when I say we want to keep it going,” Schmidt said. “We have something great brewing in this program, and I think coach Terry can take us to the next level. I’m excited to see what’s in store for next season.”
Terry, a 2010 Barrington graduate, said he’s ready for the challenge to continue Wauconda’s recent run of success. Terry, who played wide receiver at South Dakota, was Plainfield East’s coach in 2017 and 2018 and finished with a 4-14 record.
“I’m excited for my second opportunity, but really my third, since I was the head girls track coach at Homewood-Flossmoor,” Terry said. “Getting back to an area close to where I grew up and played football, just a few towns over, it’s great. I’m very aware of Wauconda’s recent success in all sports, including football.
“They have tremendous community support, which was a big selling point for me. I know the community backs their athletic programs. There’s a big commitment on that end, to athletics and to better the lives of student-athletes. Ultimately, I knew for my next opportunity, I wanted to be at a place that supported athletics and helped change lives.”
Former longtime Homewood-Flossmoor coach Craig Buzea, who finished his first season at Crown Point in Indiana in October, calls Terry the ideal person to lead Wauconda. Terry had two stints working for Buzea.
“It’s exciting for me to see him get another opportunity,” Buzea said. “He’s a good leader and has got a good offensive mindset and is very enthusiastic. His first opportunity didn’t work out like he wanted it to, but he got good experience. He’s ready for this (chance) to lead Wauconda.
“When he came back (to H-F), it really worked out for him. He had more responsibilities, and he essentially ran our whole summer offense, which really helped him.”
Barrington coach Joe Sanchez said Terry showed early in his playing career that he can be flexible. He said Terry playing running back as a sophomore, wide receiver and defensive back as a junior, and quarterback as a senior.
“If we could have played him on the offensive line, I would have,” Sanchez said jokingly. “He’s special, a very talented individual. He was always a thinker. I was lucky to have him in my U.S. history class. I saw a different side of him.
“He’s a nurturing soul, so I knew he might pursue this path of being a teacher and coach. He loves to help people. I’m really excited for him and think he will do a great job at Wauconda.”
Terry said he’s fully aware of the tough job ahead, especially with the upcoming graduations of star running back Colin Husko, lineman Ryan Stephan and quarterback Vince Bennett.
“There’s so much of coach Buzea and coach Sanchez imprinted on this move and opportunity,” Terry said. “I want to take some of the things I borrowed from their programs and the wisdom I learned and really lean on those guys.”
Terry said he can’t wait to work with Wauconda’s feeder program.
“We want to be consistent in our approach,” Terry said. “We have foundational principles within our system and communicate that to all levels of the program, all the way from the freshmen to the returning varsity players. We want to communicate a clear vision and have them understand what football is about and our core values.
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“We want to implement a long-lasting system that lends itself to having success for a sustained period. That starts with the youth and lower levels.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.