Casey Urlacher '03 Meets the Team

One of the most prolific defensive players in Midwest Conference history spent the afternoon with his alma mater's current team yesterday. Casey Urlacher a two-time All-American, and the 2002 Midwest Conference Defensive Player of the Year, spent the afternoon talking to the team about his experience both during his time at Lake Forest, and after.

Urlacher before his
senior season. 

"Each year, we bring in several alumni to speak to our team during camp in a more formal setting. I'm glad that Casey was able to join us. He spoke from the heart, and when he left, I heard from several of our players that they felt both challenged and encouraged at the same time. I can't ask for anything more than that," said Head Football Coach Jim Catanzaro.


Urlacher, who will be inducted into the Lake Forest College Athletic Hall of Fame at Homecoming this year, was recently elected to serve as the Mayor of Mettawa, Illinois. Urlacher offered great insight to the team about how important it is to keep in touch with people that you meet in college. Urlacher is the only Forester to be in the top 10 all-time in career statistics on both sides of the football. He remains second in tackles and tenth in rushing touchdowns. Urlacher did all of this while only playing three seasons at Lake Forest after transferring.

Some of the highlighted points of Mayor Urlacher's speech to the Foresters included:

• Cherish the time you have in college, and do not rush through it. 
• Rely on the other 95 guys in the locker room if you are homesick or need something, they will have your back. 
• Get involved in your community both on and off campus. 
• Get out and meet people on campus. Form relationships on campus and keep in touch with them. He cited his continued relationship with Professor Tuttle. 
• He encouraged the younger players to trust the leadership that is place, both coaches and players. They have been through it, and can help give you tips. 
• Mentioned how close that he still is with teammates. Several of whom coached current players while they were in high school. 

Urlacher during his recent successful
campaign to become the Mayor of Mettawa. 

"I think that Casey's willingness to share about the areas of struggle that he had in college (homesickness, etc) and the adversity that he and his teammates overcame will serve as a great lesson for our players as they begin the 2013 season, it is great to have alums that care this much about Lake Forest College and our football program," concluded Head Football Coach Jim Catanzaro.