Tight End Preview- 2013

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. 

#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.  

Running Back Preview- 2013

With the departure of Al Mitchell, the 2012 Midwest Conference Offensive Player of the Year, the Foresters have a stable of running backs ready take over the reins of the rushing attack. Alec Howe, a three year letterman, has averaged 4.1 yards per carry in his career and will be relied on to lead the running backs. Joey Valdivia returns for his sophomore season after being the 2^nd leading rusher for the Foresters last season. He exploded on the scene last season averaging 6.0 yards per carry and looks to take a bigger role this season. Osayi Menzies joins Howe and Valdivia as returners for Lake Forest this season as well.

Senior Alec Howe bursting through the hole
against Illinois College in 2012.  

"This is probably the position that I am most excited about for 2013. I feel that we have a great backfield returning. These guys were a little under the radar with the success that Al had last year. It was their ability that allowed him to have some of that success. Lining these guys up in the backfield allowed us to use Al as a wide receiver at times. I am confident that all of these backs can gain us a lot of yards on the ground," commented Coach Catanzaro. 

"One thing we know about this position, is that they will be well-coached by Coach Dau. His effort to improve these players is outstanding. He comes from a tougher perspective of football, and I have never had a doubt that our backs would get us the tough yards. Alec and Joey are different backs from one another. Alec has a unique ability to hit cut and make great yards. He is a bit more of a slasher. Joey on the other hand is more of a bull in a china shop. He reminds me of the great NFL backs, in that he has body parts flying all over the place on his way to the end zone. I think that one of the things that really surprised our entire coaching staff was Joey's speed this spring. He had the fastest 40 time of any player on our team, and he is 210lbs," explained Catanzaro.

Sophomore Joey Valdivia #28, averaged
6 yards per carry in 2012.

The 2013 recruiting class was full of running backs for the Foresters, with 6 new faces joining the segment. Alex Pasiewicz of Zion-Benton High School earned multiple All-Conference selections in high school and finised 2012 with over 1,100 yards rushing and 11 TDs. Charlie Quinn comes to Lake Forest from Arizona after rushing for 1,153 yards and 12 TDs which earned him 1^st Team All-Conference, Team MVP, and Honorable Mention All-State honors. Nick Cole is reuniting with Pop-Warner teammate Charlie Quinn at Lake Forest. In Cole’s junior season, he rushed for 1,454 yards and 12 TDs. Sam Mulford comes to Lake Forest from Edwardsville High School where he rushed for 23 TDs his senior season earning 1^st Team All-Conference and Team Offensive MVP honors. Matt Hoshaw joins the Foresters from Glenbrook South High School where he averaged 5.5 yards per carry and ran for 800 yards. Corey Lustig averaged 4.94 yards per carry in his senior season at Douglas High School in Parkland, FL. All 6 incoming freshmen are expected to compete for playing time at the running back position coming into camp.

"This is easily the most talented recruiting class that we have ever had at the RB position. We were a bit low in depth after the season, and it was critical for us to bring in guys who would work hard for success. Several of these players are extremely versatile. It would not surprise me to see a formation that has four running backs on the field this year. Pasiewicz, Quinn, and Lustig showed great hands in high school in addition to running, and could find themselves split out as slot receivers during the year. Mulford and Hoshaw could see some time in our offense as fullbacks and wing backs as well," said Catanzaro. 

No backfield can be completed without the fullback. The Foresters have two returning players at fullback. Senior, and three-year letterman, Shawn Henderson will help pave the way for the Forester running game this season. Harrison Seigel will join Henderson at fullback for Lake Forest and looks to build on a strong sophomore season in 2012 where he earned his 1^st letter. 

Senior Shawn Henderson lined up in the backfield in 2012. 

"Shawn is a tremendous football player. He has shown a lot of growth since moving to fullback from defensive end. I look for Shawn to garner a few more carries in 2013, and to become involved in our play action passing game as well. Harrison is a great teammate and someone who always provides comic relief to the team. I am hoping that his off-season work springboards him into the 2013 season and he is able to become a fierce fullback that we know he can. Last year was the first time that Harrison had ever lined up in the backfield. I am confident that the steep learning curve that he experienced will lessen signficantly this year," concluded Catanzaro.  

Quarterback Preview- 2013

Three-year letter winner, Mike Lewis, is slated to be the signal caller for the Forester offense in 2013. Lewis played in six games in 2012, and completed 4 of 6 passes for 45 yards and a game changing touchdown pass in the 3rd quarter against Carroll University. Mike is a product of perennial power Canyon Del Oro, where he won the state championship in 2009. As a Forester, Lewis overcame season ending surgery in camp of his sophomore year to be a contributor to the Foresters 2012 MWC Championship.

"Mike is one of the hardest workers we have in our program. He is passionate about the game of football, and his efforts to overcome the adversity of his injury will give him an edge over anyone else he competed against. I remember being with Mike in the hospital in the days soon after his surgery. Many folks, were encouraging him to give up on football, but Mike wouldn't do that. Football is at the core of his being. He has worked extremely hard to get to where he is now. I am confident that he will help lead our team to continued success," commented Head Coach Jim Catanzaro.

Mike Lewis looks for the snap before throwing a 17 yard TD
to Austin Sobey against Carroll University in 2012.
Lewis moves from back up to starter in 2013. 

Other returning quarterbacks for the Foresters include local product Greg Brown from Deerfield, former 5A Texas State Champion Sean Dickson, and All-Section selection Jared Russ from New York. 

"Our three returners are all quite different from one another. Sean has a very strong arm, and a great football IQ. Greg demonstrates the characteristics of the traditional pocket passer. He has the best footwork of any of the backup QB's. Jared is the "athlete" at the QB position. His experience running the option in high school gives him a dual threat that is unique in our league. Jared is a good enough athlete to earn playing time at several positions on our team," commented Head Coach Jim Catanzaro.

Incoming freshman Justen Ruppe from Lake Oswego High School in Oregon is coming off a state championship appearance in 6A, after completing 73% of his passes for 1,931 yards and 21 TDs. He was a 1^st Team All-Conference and 3^rd Team All-State selection. Justen is expected to join Brown, Dickson, and Russ in competing for the back-up quarterback spot as camp starts.

Foresters Unveil New Look

Foresters Welcome 43 New Players to the Program

Lake Forest College Head Football Coach Jim Catanzaro announces the 2013 Recruiting Class

"I couldn't be more pleased with both the quality of football player, but also the quality of humans, that we are bringing to our campus. Beyond their football accolades, we have a number of players that were involved significantly in their high schools and local communities in service projects, outreach events, and fundraising drives. This bodes well for the entire campus community at Lake Forest College. The scholarly goals of these individuals aligns with our campus mission, and I am confident that as we move forward that we will have several prominent members of our campus honor societies filled by these individuals," said Catanzaro. 

"Our goal in recruiting this year was to get bigger in stature, but also to increase the depth at several positions including offensive and defensive line. We were extremely successful in doing that. When I see 9 offensive lineman who average 6'2 275lbs, and 7 defensive lineman who average 6'1 260lbs, with three defensive ends who are over 6'4, we definitely felt like we hit a home run in that area," said Catanzaro. "Additionally, we wanted to add some players from winning programs, and we did so. Four players (Nitti, Marin, Ruppe, McCue) all played in their respective state championship games. Several others made it to the quarterfinals of the state playoffs. These players help us significantly, because we don't have to teach them "how to win." 

"A lot of credit for this recruiting class goes to our current players, who do a great job explaining what being a Forester is all about. This year, with some of our coaching change over, we had a bit of a disadvantage, but both Coach Butts and Coach Arthur did a great job helping shore up the class. I look forward to seeing the results that they yield with a full academic year to recruit."

Statistical notes on members of the 2013 recruiting class: 

* Jordon McCue- a 6'4 300lb OT from Florida's FHSAA 7A State Champion, St. Thomas Aquinas. The Raiders finished 12-2 his senior year. 

* Joe Nitti- a starting MLB on the Illinois 5A State Champion, Montini Catholic. The Bronco's finished 12-2 his senior year. Nitti was a member of 4 straight state championship teams at Montini. 

*Justen Ruppe- the starting QB of Oregon 6A State Runner-Up, Lake Oswego High School. The Lakers finished with a 13-1 record. Ruppe completed 73% of his passes for 1.931 yards passing, with 21 TD's. Ruppe was selected 1st team All-Conference, and 3rd team All-State.

*Reid Martin- a teammate of Ruppe's for Lake Oswego. Martin was a starting DE for the Lakers, and helped lead a defensive unit that gave up under 12 points per game. 

*Alex Pasiewicz and Josh Jones- Zion-Benton high school teammates. All-Conference OL Josh Jones helped block for RB Pasiewicz. Pasiewicz earned multiple all-conference selections for the ZeeBees and was a three sport athlete (Basketball and Baseball). Pasiewicz finished with over 1,100 yards rushing and 11 TDs in 2012. 

*Nick Podesta- a 6'4 235lb Tight End from Archbishop McCarthy High School in Florida. Podesta helped lead the team to an 8-3 record, and was selected to play in the Broward vs. Dade All-Star Game. 

*Nick Cole and Connor O'Brien- Teammates from Notre Dame Prep in Scottsdale, AZ. O'Brien was an offensive lineman who helped pave the way for Cole. Cole as a junior rushed for 1,454 rushing yards and 12 TDs before missing his senior year due to injury. 

*Brendan Power and Blake Waller- Power, a 6'4 240lb DE, and Waller a 5'9 180lb Safety, helped transform Oak Forest High Schools football program. The Bengals finished 10-2, before being eliminated in the state quarter finals. Both Power and Waller were selected 1st team all-conference. Power was also selected as an Academic All-State member. 

*Nick Nusbaumer- a 6'3 280lb TE/DL from Springfield Catholic in Missouri. Nusbaumer helped lead the Fighting Irish to an 8-3 record his senior year. 

*Charlie Quinn- a 5'8 175lb RB from Horizon High School in Arizona. A Pop-Warner teammate of Nick Cole, Quinn rushed for 1,153 yards and 12 TDs, while helping lead his team to an 8-3 record. Quinn earned 1st Team All-Conference, Team MVP, and HM All-State honors after the season. 

*Zach Kelvington- A dynamic two way player for Notre Dame High School in Salinas, CA. Kelvington was the team Defensive MVP and 2nd team all league. Kelvington will be playing WR for the Foresters. 

*Daniel Harris- a speedy LB from Willowbrook High School. Harris played for Former Forester Nick Hildreth at Willowbrook. Harris helped lead the Warriors to an IHSA Class 7A Playoff Birth.

*Wes Girgaitis and Sam Mulford- Teammates at Edwardsville High School, the duo helped pace the Tigers to a 10-2 record and a trip to the 3rd round of the IHSA 8A State Playoffs. Mulford, a fullback, rushed for 767 yards and 23 TDs as a senior, earning 1st Team All-Conference and Team Offensive MVP awards. Grigaitis was a 2 year starter at linebacker, and helped lead a defense that gave up 9.2 points per game, and caused 41 Take-aways. 

Lee Stiltz- a strong offensive lineman from Routt Catholic High School in Jacksonville, IL. Stiltz was a team captain in 2012, and earned multiple All-Conference and All-Area selections during his career at Routt. 

Matt Hoshaw- a powerful running back from Glenbrook South High School. Hoshaw won the teams 110% award, and recorded 800 yards rushing for a 5.5 yards per carry average. 

Dylan Ernst- a 6'4 230lb DE from Lincoln-Southeast High School in Nebraska. In addition to playing on both sides of the ball, Ernst earned Academic All-State and All-Conference Honors. 

Martin Shine and Ryan Bullock- teammates from Taft High School in Chicago. The Eagles finished 7-1 in 2012. They join former high school teammates Luke Capone and George Vidas in the Forester locker room. 

Nick Behrens- the starting center for the Woodstock High School football team. Behrens helped pave the way for the Blue Streaks in 2012. 

Will Danner- a 6'2 280lb OL from Wauconda High School. Danner was named the Bulldogs Most Valuable OL, and was an HM All-Conference Selection. 

Joel Velasquez- the team Defensive MVP at historic Lane Tech High School, Velasquez was also named an All-Conference LB for the Indians. 

Chris Rantis- a transfer from UW-Whitewater, Rantis joins his twin brother Mike on the Forester roster. As a prep player at Lake Zurich High School, Rantis helped lead the the bears to the state semi-finals his senior year as a starting safety, with a 10-3 record. 

Alex Sibley- a transfer from Joliet Junior College, Sibley was a standout long snapper for the Wolves. Prior to JJC, Sibley was an All-Conference and All-Area Tight End for Plainfield South High School, where he was the team captain his senior year. 

Brendan Lawler- becomes the 4th Marist Redhawk on the roster. A long-snapper for Lake Forest Alumnus Pat Dunne, Lawler was a member of two state playoff teams at Marist. 

Recognizing Academic Achievements in Forester Football

Over the course of the summer, we have had a chance to sit back and reflect on a lot of the GREAT things that our Forester Football Players accomplish off of the field. We have had a lot of great things that go unnoticed because they do not appear in a box score, but they are often times more important for the future of our team members than an individual statistic.

The Midwest Conference announced the 2012-13 Academic All Conference Selections this past week. The Foresters had ten members of the 2012 make the list. Click here to see the Official Press Release

Congratulations to Seniors: Edwin Esperanza, Aidan Price; Juniors Michael Garetto-Balmer, Mike Lewis, and Nick Waters    Sophomores: Shane Moylan, Phillip Rindom, Ben Larsen   ; Freshman: David Rafter, Sonny Valcin. Also on the list was Chris Madson, who will be suiting up for the Foresters this fall.

Senior Aidan Price was admitted into the National Football Foundations' Hampshire Honor Society. He is the first Forester in over 8 years to be enshrined in the society. Click here to see the Official Press Release  We could not be more proud of Aidan and all of his accomplishments. Since graduation, Aidan has chosen to enlist in the United States Marine Corp, and is the embodiment of everything the Marines stand for.

While many people thing that the summer time is an "off period" for academic growth of our football players, it is simply not the case. Freshman Sonny Valcin has spent the summer as a member of the Lake Forest College Richter Scholar Program. Sonny spent the majority of the summer performing research with Professor Rob Lemke on consumer behavior. Sonny presented his findings at the annual Richter Scholars Symposium in July.

Our upper-class students have been participating in significant internships this spring and summer. The access to the city of Chicago as well as prominent company headquarters in the northern suburbs have opened up a number of opportunities for our players to network and hone their skills in the professional setting.

Here is a small sampling of some of our internships over the last nine months:

Tommy Mitchell: Communication internships with Nickelodeon (spring of '13), Rolling Stone Magazine (summer of '13)

Jordan Cruz: Economics internship with The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago (summer of '13)

Mike Lewis: Sports Marketing and Graphic Design internships with The Batterz Box (spring of '13) and Pro Sports Experience (summer of '13)

Alec Howe: Business internship with Concept Metal Groups/Integricoat Corporation.

Jake Rotkvich: Market Analysis internship with Trinity Manufacturing.

Though these are just a few examples of how the learning process of student-athletes is year round, it is something that we take great pride in as a coaching staff and as an institution. We look forward to highlighting even more accomplishments as we move though the academic year for you.

Aidan Price Enters into NFF Hampshire Honor Society: Forester Athletics

Senior Aidan Price was elected to the NFF Hampshire Honor Society-- Congratulations Aidan

Aidan Price Enters into NFF Hampshire Honor Society: Forester Athletics