The months of December, January, and February are busy in the football world. Recruiting is in full swing, the beginning of off-season training, and the coaching carousel is in full effect. Coming off a Midwest Conference Championship, the Foresters saw a few of their coaches move to new opportunities.
"With new coaches, come new ideas. There has definitely been a re-energizing force with new coaches joining our staff. Our previous coaches were outstanding at Lake Forest, and a lot of our success is due to their tireless efforts. Coaches Kerr, Soenksen, and Parker brought a lot to the table. Our new coaches have big shoes to fill, but I am thrilled by their efforts thus far. I know that they are destined to help us raise the bar even higher as we move forward," said Catanzaro.
Joining the staff as the Offensive Coordinator is former Virginia State University (NCAA DII) Offensive Line Coach, Mike Arthur. Coach Arthur played at Glenville State College while Coach Catanzaro was an assistant coach.
"I have known Mike for over a decade. As a player, Mike was a tireless worker, who scrapped and fought his way into the starting lineup for multiple seasons. Mike is the same way as a coach. He grinds, and will not leave effort for the next day. In addition to his football knowledge, Mike brings a strong background in strength and conditioning, with a graduate degree in Excercise Science from California University (PA) , as well as a
In addition to Coach Arthur, the Foresters welcome back on of their own to the coaching staff as alumnus Luke Butts ('12) returns to the Forest after a stint as a linebackers coach at Lindsey Wilson College (NAIA) in Kentucky. Butts, a three-time all-conference safety, and the only Forester in school history to appear in the top 7 in Tackles (4th) and Interceptions (7th) for his career was a four-year starter for the Red and Black."I am excited for Luke to return to Halas Hall. He was one of the most studious players we have had during my tenure. In addition to being an all-conference player on the field, he was a three time Academic All-Conference selection as well. Luke's drive as a player are consistent with how he is approaching his coaching career. A lot of the success that we had this season was because of the foundation that was laid by Luke and his classmates over the last two years. Luke is going to be a great example to our players of what they can experience at Lake Forest outside of athletics. His involvement on campus during his student days is a great example for those that are now following in his footsteps," commented Catanzaro.
The Foresters open up the 2013 season at Farwell field on September 7th against Concordia University (IL).
