Lake Forest College Athletic Director Jackie Slaats announced
Tuesday (April 21) that Head Football Coach Brent Becker has
resigned to pursue other career interests and that defensive
coordinator Jim Catanzaro has been selected as his replacement.
Becker was the Foresters' head coach for four seasons after serving
two years as the team's defensive coordinator. Lake Forest posted
an overall record of 32-28 and Midwest Conference mark of 29-25
during his time at the College. Under his guidance as head coach,
Forester players earned 46 all-conference honors and were named
academic all-conference 32 times. As a defensive coordinator he
coached the 2003 and 2004 MWC Defensive Players of the Year and
Lake Forest surrendered fewer points than any other team in the
conference each season.
"This was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made, but
the right one at this time for me and my family," stated Becker.
"Lake Forest College has been great to me and I am extremely
grateful for the opportunities I've had here. The program I'm
leaving behind has a strong foundation and is in good hands with
Coach Catanzaro. I look forward to following a very successful
Forester team over the next several years."
Catanzaro was Lake Forest's defensive coordinator for three-plus
seasons and has been an assistant coach at three different
institutions for a total of nine years. Under his direction
Forester defensive players have earned 18 all-conference
selections, including seven first team accolades. Lake Forest has
finished among the top teams in the league in several defensive
categories, including second-place rankings against the pass and in
the red zone in 2008.
"I'm excited and thankful for this opportunity and the trust in me
shown by Coach Slaats and President Schutt," began Catanzaro. "I am
eager to continue working with our current players and welcome next
year's freshmen. Since I joined the staff I've met a lot of
individuals who are passionate about Forester Football. I look
forward to serving that community as the new head coach. In
addition, as someone who played for and worked under Coach Becker,
I want to thank him for his influence on me and wish him the best
in his future endeavors."
"I have mixed emotions about Brent's resignation," explained
Slaats. "While I'm disappointed to see him leave us and the college
coaching profession, I'm very thankful for his contributions to
Forester Athletics and, specifically, the football team. I also
wish Brent and his family well as he takes on new career
challenges."
"Regarding the position of head football coach, we are extremely
fortunate to have a qualified individual on our current staff to
take over the reins of the program. Jim has been a tremendous asset
to the College during his time here. I'm excited about his energy
and passion for the football program as well as his vision for its
future."
Due to the timing of Becker's resignation, a national search for
the head coaching position, which is required by the College, was
postponed until the conclusion of the 2010 season. Catanzaro is
expected to be a candidate for the position at that time.
Lake Forest Head Coach Brent Becker Resigns, Jim Catanzaro Promoted
Posted: Apr 21, 2009
November 16, 2009
A Dozen Lake Forest Players Earn All-Midwest Conference Honors
November 7, 2009
Lake Forest Drops Season Finale at Carroll University
October 31, 2009
Foresters Fall to Visiting Knox College
October 24, 2009
Lake Forest Defeated by Nation's Ninth-Ranked Team
October 17, 2009
Foresters Start Fast and Hang on for Victory at Grinnell
October 10, 2009
Lake Forest Wins Homecoming Game against Lawrence
September 19, 2009
Foresters Defeated at Illinois College
September 12, 2009
Lake Forest Falls to Ripon in Home Opener
September 5, 2009
Foresters Open Season with 14-7 Loss at Aurora University
