GENEVA – Kane County Cougars general manager Curtis Haug used the word “unique” when discussing the club’s 2012 exploits well before bringing credence to a longstanding rumor Wednesday.

With respect to a Fifth Third Bank Ballpark concert from alt-rockers Wilco and an inaugural 5K that started and finished on the field, the Cougars have landed a conversation piece with staying power. Here come the Cubs.

Haug and fellow Cougars brass went searching for more superlative adjectives shortly after noon Wednesday, when officials agreed to terms with the Cubs on a two-year player-development contract at the Low-A level. A respectful affiliation with the Kansas City Royals simply gave way to fate – or something like it – with the Cubs.