Sigmund eager for healthy start at Elk Grove
Freezing temperatures and a bad headcold could not keep John Sigmund away from his first meeting with his new football team Monday.
Sigmund was named last Friday as the next head coach at Elk Grove, and he'd set up the meeting so he could formally introduce himself to his new players and staff.
"I am struggling right now," said Sigmund, "but I am really happy. It is a great opportunity and I am looking forward to the challenge."
Sigmund will be taking over the Grenadiers after coach Larry Calhoun resigned last November. Calhoun has since taken the head coaching job at Mundelein.
Sigmund will have some work to do after Elk Grove was winless last year.
"It was a fantastic meeting with the kids," Sigmund said. "The interviews, the administrative stuff, that's what it is all about. Just had an opportunity to meet with everyone and answer their questions and get ready for next year. I am looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting to work."
Sigmund grew up in Pennsylvania and played football at Wisconsin, where he was a tight end. He moved to the Chicago area with his wife Jessyca, a graduate of Rolling Meadows High School.
Sigmund had hoped to pursue coaching in the college ranks, but decided that he would rather stay closer to home. So he got his teaching certificate from Northeastern Illinois and landed at Glenbard West.
Sigmund spent 11 years at Glenbard West coaching the offensive line. He added offensive coordinator responsibilities 8 years ago. During that span as the OC, Sigmund helped the Hilltoppers amass a 72-12 record with two appearances in the state title game, along with a championship in 2012.
"I couldn't be happier for him," Glenbard West coach Chad Hetlet said. "It is a tough loss for our program but the people at Elk Grove are getting a quality guy.
"He is one of my best friends and a great coach, family man and teacher. I respect him tremendously."
Sigmund credits Hetlet for the opportunity to grow as a coach.
"I have been so blessed to work for a great head coach," Sigmund said. "He has given me so many opportunities to grow. Not only as a coach, but as a young person."
Elk Grove athletic director Jon Rowley was excited to hire Sigmund, who will also be part of physical education department.
"He is a great teacher and that was a big part of it," Rowley said. "The track record of success that he comes with is incredible and we are confident that he will bring that over to Elk Grove."
Sigmund said he always wanted to be a head coach and had his sights set in coaching in the Mid-Suburban League.
"I have always had a strong interest in the conference," Sigmund said. "I always thought that they were tight-knit communities with great support from the administration. It was always a job I had my eye on."
Sigmund is hoping to bring the formula he learned at Glenbard West over to Elk Grove.
"There are two things that haven't changed in the game," Sigmund said. "And that is blocking and tackling. Those are things we stress.
"We are going to be running drills to bring out the technique in their craft. It comes down to the fundamentals, and we will work our way out from there."
Elk Grove is hosting a "Meet the Coach" night" 6 p.m. Thursday in the cafeteria at the school. Sigmund is looking forward to becoming more familiar with his new football community.
"We are going to build a family." Sigmund said. "I want everyone to have an all-in approach. From the community, the administration, the faculty, the kids and the coaches - we are a partnership."