The Foresters have employed multiple tight-end offensive sets since Jim Catanzaro became the head coach in 2009. The Foresters have had two separate all-conference tight ends during his tenure as well (Steven Yena 3x All-Conference, and Greg Alonso '12).
Tight Ends are led by returning All-MWC selection Greg Alonso. The 6'3 230lb senior, has 17 receptions for 214 yards and 1 TD for the Foresters during his career. Greg is also a member of the Foresters Leadership Board.
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| #14 Greg Alonso runs over a defender after making a catch in 2012. |
"Greg is a stand up guy. I appreciate what he does for us in a multitude of areas. Since we use multiple tight ends, his stats aren't gawdy. However, its the non-statistical things that truly set Greg apart. He is a fantastic blocker. We have lined him up in the backfield at times for run game purposes and he has excelled at that. I am confident that Greg will more than double his career stats in a single season this year," said Coach Catanzaro.
Fellow senior Adam Bernstein transitions from Offensive Line to the Tight End position in 2013. The Miami native has been recognized amongst his teammates as one of the the most intense players on the field.
"Adam brings a unique skill set to the field. He started five games at offensive tackle at his previous college. He has lined up at fullback for us as well as a position in our jumbo sets. Despite having to recover from a season ending in jury in 2011, I am confident that Adam is going to be a challenge for anyone that goes against him. He needs to continue to improve his pass catching skills, but I have no doubts that he will be able to shine for the team in his final season," said Coach Catanzaro.
A talented group of new players join the Foresters tight end group. Alex Sibley, transfers to the Foresters from Joliet Junior College. Prior to playing at JJC, Alex was an All-Conference and All-Area Tight End at Plainfield South High School. The 6'3 235lb sophomore will also be a candidate for the vacant long-snapping position for the Foresters. Freshman Nick Podesta joins the Foresters from Archbishop McCarthy High School in Broward County, Florida. The 6'4 freshman helped lead his team to an 8-3 record while earning county All-Star honors. Fellow first-year player Joey Page joins the Foresters from Bradley Bourbonnais High School. Page played offensive line, tight end, and linebacker in high school and looks to settle in at tight end for the Foresters.
"This is a great group of young and talented players. I like the "make up" of this group. Alex has a little bit of extra seasoning having played at JJC before they dropped football. Nick brings a tough, bring your lunch box type approach, football is a major priority for him. We have had several players from his high school in the past, and they have all been very good football players. Joey is the wild card in this group. He is a guy that was 28-12 as a 195lb wrestler as a senior. Additionally, he was the captain of the Water Polo team. The opportunity to focus on football year round, and the fact that he won't have to cut weight anymore gives him the most upside of the incoming freshman. This group of players will help us continue to create additional running gaps and mismatches in the passing game," concluded Catanzaro.
