Murray Hynes

Coach Hynes is in his second year as Head Varsity Coach at BHS and fifth year within the BHS softball program.  During his first year at the helm, he compiled an overall record of 25-10, captured an IHSA Regional Championship and finished 2^nd in the Big 12 Conference.  Over his first 4 years within the program, 7 players have gone onto play at the collegiate level and two have been named to the Illinois All-State 1st team while two others were named to the 2^nd and 3^rd team respectively.  He has also served 2 years as an assistant coach at BJHS.  He is also a member of NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association)

 He grew up in El Paso, Illinois, and graduated from El Paso High School.  In high school, Coach Hynes participated in four sports:  baseball, wrestling, track, and football.  He earned a total of 14 varsity letters, was a three-sport captain, was named MVP twice, received All Conference honors in football, captured a regional championship in wrestling, and finished in the top 10 at the IHSA State Track meet.  He attended Eastern Illinois University, was a member of the Panthers' wrestling team, and completed a B.S. in business, majoring in accounting and finance. 

 Coach Hynes has been employed at State Farm Insurance for 22 years.  He is currently a manager in the Systems Department.  Before moving to State Farm, he was an assistant branch manager for a savings bank for three years.  Coach Hynes has served as president of several organizations related to his professional work, including the Banctec Users Association and the Institute of Management Accountants.  He has also served a term as president of the District 87 Citizens Advisory Council. 

 As is true of many softball coaches, his association with the sport began as a player.  He played competitive fastpitch softball for 13 years in Illinois and in California.  His Illinois teams claimed a second place finish in the ASA State Tournament and a fourth place finish in the ASA Midwest Regional Tournament.  His first experience as a coach came when he was a player/coach for a men's ASA Major fastpitch team.  He has coached girls' fastpitch softball since 1998, working with players ranging in age from 8-16.  Coach Hynes' teams captured three USSSA state titles and finished in the top half of the ASA 14U National Tournament in 2003.  Coach Hynes also coached youth soccer teams for six years. 

Favorite Movies:  Field of Dreams and Remember the Titans

Favorite Quote: "It isn't the amount of hours you put into the effort but the amount of effort you put into the hours."

Favorite Book:  The Fighting Spirit - A Championship Season at Notre Dame by Lou Holtz

Favorite Foods:  Ribeye steak, Sunflower seeds

Person I Most Admire:  My mother

My Favorite District 87 Memories:  Winning three consecutive IHSA regional titles

Coach Hynes' E-Mail Address: murray.hynes.bb4b@statefarm.com