The Foresters presented 91 varsity letters that were earned this year as well as special awards throughout the evening. During the evening each position coach took some time to talk about their seniors, paying tribute to their efforts over the last four years.
"This senior class is special. They are the third winningest class in school history. They were members of the 2012 Midwest Conference Championship team. They earned seven all-conference awards, one all-region award, and five of them represented Team Stars and Stripes in the Tazon de Estrellas All-Star Game in December. They did a great job setting an example of the bond that is so special amongst our team," commented Head Football Coach Jim Catanzaro.
Senior Austin Van Meter gave an emotional speech on behalf of the outgoing team captains and challenged the underclassmen to reach for greater accomplishment as they move forward.
The Foresters Announced the following award winners throughout the evening:
All-Midwest Conference Award Winners:
2015 Scout Team Players of the Year:
Offense: LJ Smith Freshman, Quarterback. Boca Raton, FL
Defense: Jamie Pruitt Freshman, Defensive Lineman. Elk City, OK.
2015 Forester Commitment to Excellence Award:
The Forester Commitment Award was established in 2014 Tom Carr '70 and his wife Denise '71, and honors student-athletes who have made a positive impact on their team and the Lake Forest College Community through their commimtnet to team engagement, campus involvement, and community service. Recipients should demonstrate consistent and significant leadership in the threefold spirit of the award. Tom was a two-time Most Valuable Player for the Foresters. The award is given to student-athletes throughout the entire athletic department that embody all that the award stands for.
Sam Mulford, Junior, Running Back. Edwardsville, IL
2015 Steve Little Memorial Award:
The Steve Little Memorial Award was started in 2014 to honor former Forester Football Assistant Coach, Steve Little. Coach Little was a man, who made a great impact on the players that he came into contact with. His desire to challenge the Forester Football players to achieve, both on and off the field, served as a model for many of the other Forester Coaches and Players alike. Coach Little had a stellar career at Iowa State University, but it was not one that was without struggle. He often shared the story of his freshman year of college and how close he was to "not making it" academically. Through intervention of coaches and his brother, he found a way to have an extremely successful academic career before he graduated. Additionally, he combined great success (including All-Big 8 Honors) on the field to embody exactly what every Student-Athlete should strive for. The Steve Little Award is presented to the individual that shows a steadfastness and commitment to academic achievement as well as football achievement regardless of statistics or numeric quantifiers. The award recognizes the passion, handwork, and dedication that the individual puts in, to achieve their goals.
Hector Mendoza, Sophomore, Linebacker. Oswego, IL
2015 Rookie of the Year:
Jagan Cleary, Freshman, Quarterback. Yuma, AZ
2015 Most Improved Award:
Sean Chapman, Senior, Linebacker. Northbrook, IL
2015 Most Valuable Player:
Charlie Quinn, Junior, Running Back. Scottsdale, AZ.
2015 Forester Pride Award:
The Forester Pride Award, is the highest honor that can be achieved by a football player. Voted on by the team members, the award is given to the teammate that best embodies the Forester Football Program. An individual who cultivates a strong since of brotherhood amongst his teammates. This individual should lead the team in energy and emotion, even if they do not lead the team in statistics. This individual must put the needs of the team, his teammates, and the program ahead of his own needs. Consistently, this player should demonstrate and inspire servanthood among his teammates, while endearing himself to the Football program. This individual must carry the torch of our program into the campus community with pride, and serve as an example of all that is great about being a Forester Football player. There is no honor greater in our program.
Austin Van Meter, Senior, Linebacker. Bolingbrook, IL.
