Team of the Decade 2000-2009 - Defensive Line

Over the course of the next 10 weeks, the LFC Football will be unveiling the "Team of the Decade" 2000-2009 edition. In creating this list, it is our hope to encourage discussion and debate over who is on, and who should be on this team. The sole requirement to be eligible for this team was to either have graduated from Lake Forest College and have left the program in good standing.

This list was put together with the help of fans, coaches, SID Mike Wajerski, and other sources associated with the Forester Football program over the last decade.

This week we will start with the Defensive Lineman.

DL: David Bleitner- 2001-2004. St. Louis, Mo (Vianney). Bleitner was a four time All Conference selection including 1st team in 2003 and 2004. Named 2nd Team All-American in 2003 (Cosida and Football Gazette) and 3rd Team All-American in 2004 (Football Gazette). Named the conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2003 and 2004. Recorded 29 Sacks (Career Record at LFC) and 49.5 Tackles for a loss (Record at the time). He also holds the single season sack record 15.5 in 2003.

DL: Jaron Eanes- 2006-2009. Cleveland, OH (Lake Forest Academy) A three time All Conference selection including multiple 2nd team selections in 2007 and 2009, Eanes also captained the 2009 team. Recorded 12.5 Sacks and 39.5 Tackles for a loss. His career TFL total finished 3rd all-time in Forester Football, and 2nd amongst defensive lineman. His 2009 total of 17 is the fourth most in a single season. Eanes also recorded 193 total tackles for his career, and recorded 4 forced fumbles and 4 recovered fumbles in his career.

DL: Tom Starnicky- 2000-2003 Oak Lawn, IL (Marist) Tom started his career as a running-back for the Foresters and was named all conference as a freshman when he rushed for 680 yards on 166 Carries in 2000. In 2002, Tom moved to Defense and made an immediate impact. Tom was a two time all-conference selection on the Defensive side of the ball where he recorded 116 tackles, including 16.5 tackles for a loss. Had two defensive touchdowns in his career, a 61 yard fumble return and a 41 yard interception return for a touchdown. Finished his career with over 1000 yards of total offense and scored 8 TD’s total in his career (6 on offense, 2 on defense).

DL: Chris Tossing 2005-2008 St. Louis, Mo (Wentzville Holt, Mo) Chris started the 30 final games of his career and was named All-Conference in those three years, including a first team all-conference selection in 2008. Had a career high 19 Tackles vs. Monmouth in 2008. In his senior year (2007) he recorded at least 4 tackles in every game. Finished his career having played in all 40 games and recording 205 tackles, 20.5 Tackles for a loss and 12 Sacks.

HM: Tim Paulsen (2004-2007), Mike Karner (2003-2006), and Vince Srejma (2000-2002)

Benny and our team's Relay For Life Efforts!!

Our Reason to Relay is Benny Watters

This past season we added a new teammate in Benny Watters at the midpoint of the season through the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation. Benny, by far, is the toughest, hardest hitting, and coolest player on our team. He is a dynamic four year old who was diagnosed with a brain-stem tumor (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma) on January 18, 2008. He is a major part of our team, and we are relaying this year for him. It is Benny's world and we want him to be apart of ours for a long time. Taking steps to bring cancer awareness and prevention is the first step, so please make a donation, or join our team and help us create a world where cancer can no longer claim another year of anyone’s life.

To find out more about Benny check out:

http://www.bennysworld.org/ and search Benny's World on facebook.

Once again, Lake Forest College's Football team will be participating in the school's annual Relay for Life event on campus. Last year, we were the second highest fundraising group on campus. Our players have taken a leadership role with Relay for Life this year, as Jaron Eanes, one of our team captains, has taken on the Presidency for Relay this year. Our players have set a lofty, but achieveable goal of $5,000 for their fundraising efforts.

To be a part of this fundraising, you can help our team out at Relay For Life

Forester Football Team Meets with "The Ghost"

On Tuesday, February 2nd, the Lake Forest College Football Team, had the opportunity to meet a "Ghost" in Meyer Auditorium in Hotckiss Hall. This ghost, was not the typical super natural being, that is unless you are talking about super natural football players. Dave Casper, a member of the National Football League Hall of Fame, and a former two-time All-American at Notre Dame, came and spoke to the team at the request of Head Coach Jim Catanzaro.

Casper, in addition to being named the tight-end for the NFL's all decade team for the 1970's, has gone on to have a successful business career with Northwestern Mutual, after his playing career.

Dave focused on having a business like attitude on the football field and the practice field. He told the players that simplicity in the approach and hard work can lead to great success. His mantra quote of Lou Holtz to "Show up, suit up, and shut up," was one that struck a particulary cord with some players.

In regards to Casper coming to speak with the team, Sophomore Luke Butts said,"Not only was Mr. Casper funny, but he was blunt and direct about some of the knowledge he was passing on to us. I thought this was a great thing for our team. I think his philosophy on life related to how he played football. He had a very business-like attitude towards every aspect of football, and you can see why he is successful after football."

Coach Catanzaro, commenting on Dave's appearance on campus said,"This was a tremendous opportunity for our players to learn from someone who has been in their shoes before, and is where many of them want to be. Dave's success both on the field and off can serve as an example and inspiration for our players. I am greatful for Dave's willingness to come and speak to our team, especially since it was his birthday."