“To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived – that is to have succeeded” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson
To say that Mike Farley succeeded in life is an understatement. He not only had success on the gridiron, but the influence he has had on so many people and the family that he raised who in turn have influenced so many is an even greater success. While he may have had a greater impact on many more people, his impact on the Olbert family was huge. I am proud that my parents thought enough of the Farleys to choose them to be my godparents.
My dad coached with “Farls” in Racine. As a small child, I was in awe of this huge man. Huge in stature, personality, generosity, and kindness. Huge in family dog breed of choice, Great Dane, as Bonnie Sue seemed as big as a horse to me as a small boy. “Magic Mike” would pull a quarter out my ear as child and other sleight of hand tricks that would leave me in awe. I would always look forward to the annual Christmas letter that Rae would pen providing updates on the Farleys and their three boys and in later years about their grandchildren who filled them with pride.
With the three Farley boys (Steve, David, Mike) there is a memorable story that I have heard countless times. Since my parents already had two boys (Paul, Matthew) a wager was made probably on the golf course as I have also heard there were many battles on the links and possibly sneaking on a course near Racine to play a quick nine. Apparently Coach Farley did not think there was any way his coaching colleague could also have three boys, so he wagered a beer on it. To this day, my dad says that the only beer he ever saw Mike drink was after I was born.
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The times we would stop by the Farley farm in River Falls was always a highlight as we traveled north from Sparta to visit relatives near Eau Claire and Stillwater. From having a chipping and putting green on the lawn to goalposts in the barn, the opportunities to improve as an athlete and a person were made available from a coach to his sons. Memories of all the Farley boys taking time with the younger Olbert boys was always appreciated. From table tennis, baseball, art/design, and so many other littles things the entire Farley family has left a lasting impression on me and my brothers. When my close friend in high school took me to watch his older brother play quarterback for UW-Platteville as they hosted UW-River Falls, I proudly wore my Falcons jersey as my allegiance was stronger to the Farleys then my friend. I had purchased the jersey at year two of attending Hitters Camp on the UW-River Falls campus where “Little Mike” Farley was my counselor/instructor.
A great aspect of being part of team and also having a parent who coached is stories that can be told, retold, and re-lived as the moments become memories that are forged from being part of something bigger than yourself. I loved to hear the stories that Coach Farley and my dad would share of a certain game or a certain play or player from the early 1960s in Racine to teaching Phy. Ed. in the rural elementary schools of Sparta to his days at River Falls. Continue to tell the stories and cherish the memories as they live on in our hearts and in our heads and continue to live on when shared with others.
— Patrick Olbert
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