New Coaches Begin Tenure at LFC

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.

The Foresters were fortunate to be able to find some high quality replacements from across the country. The new additions to the coaching staff already have Coach Catanzaro excited.

"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).

Football Player Al Mitchell Saves His Best for Last: Forester Athletics

Football Player Al Mitchell Saves His Best for Last: Forester Athletics

CATANZARO AND MITCHELL FIND SUCCESS IN TAZON DE ESTRELLAS GAME IN MEXICO

Mitchell and Coach Cat post game with the trophy. 

Senior RB AL Mitchell, and Head Coach Jim Catanzaro were part of a memorable moment on Saturday, December 15. As members of a Division III All-Star team, Mitchell and his teammates defeated the Mexican National Championship Team from Tec Monterrey 32-15. Coach "Cat" served as the defensive coordinator for the U.S. Team.

"The coolest part of the week was the post game locker room. The Mexican's had beaten the U.S. in our game, American Football, so there was a lot of motivation for the guys on the team. Afterwards, there was a desire to sing the fight song as many of us do after a game. Well, as a conglomerate, we came up with the National Anthem as our "fight song." It was one of the more incredible experiences I have had as a coach. The fight song was lead by one of our quarterbacks, who is a student at the US Merchant Marine Academy. He will enlist for service to our country after his graduation. It was a really cool moment, and there was no one that I would rather have had lead that song than Alex," said Coach Catanzaro.

"It was a great experience. The level of competition in both practice and in the game, was a step up from what I am used to. When you have All-American's at six or seven different positions, it is amazing how you raise your level of practice just to keep up," said Mitchell.

TEAM USA POST GAME WITH THE TROPHY-
 (MITCHELL Center front row)

"One of the highlights for me was the community service event. We met some people who are much less fortunate than I am. I am glad that we could give back to the community a little while we were there," continued Mitchell.

On the Thursday before the game, the team went to a poor community in Guadalajara and donated time to a local youth organization cleaning up fields of play, painting a basketball court and play room, and giving a football clinic to the children.

"I am pleased that Al and I were able to have such a rewarding experience. I hope that his representation of Lake Forest opens up the door for more of our players in the future. He played a great game, and especially considering that he was asked to play out of position some, I thought he handled it with great poise and maturity," said Catanzaro.


The official game recap can be read here: GAME RECAP

2012 Lake Forest College Football Season Highlights

LFC vs. SNC Pregame Video

As requested, the video from the SNC pregame.

Jim Catanzaro Named One of Five Division III Finalists for 2012 Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award: Forester Athletics

Jim Catanzaro Named One of Five Division III Finalists for 2012 Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award: Forester Athletics

Al Mitchell's Offensive Player of the Year Award Highlights Foresters' All-MWC Selections: Forester Athletics

Forester Football was well represented on the MWC end of the Year awards list this year.

Senior Al Mitchell was named the MWC's Offensive Player of the Year, Head Coach Jim Catanzaro was named the MWC Coach of the Year, and a total of 13 Foresters appeared on the All-Conference list, the most of any team in the conference.

Read the article by SID Mike Wajerski by clicking on the link below.


Al Mitchell's Offensive Player of the Year Award Highlights Foresters' All-MWC Selections: Forester Athletics