A remarkable 2022 season wrapped up with a memorable night as the annual Lake Forest College football team banquet was hosted on campus at the beautiful Tarble Rooms in Brown Hall on Thursday, January 19. The evening began with a brief introduction from Head Coach Jim Catanzaro, recapping a remarkable back-to-back championship season while players and family enjoyed food and good company. The night then transitioned to honoring the seniors and their outstanding accomplishments. As each senior was recognized, favorite memories were shared as Coach Cat touched on the impact each player had on the football program during his career as a Forester.
The 2022 Most Valuable Player was awarded to senior defensive lineman Alex Bendler. In his fourth season as a Forester, Bendler continued to be an invaluable leader and player on the field, with an average of 4.5 tackles per game and 11 sacks overall this year. Alex led the Midwest Conference in tackles for loss, averaging 2.05 per game, getting 11 sacks and was named Third Team All-Region by D3football.com.
Senior tight end Alan Hanson was voted the 2022 Most Improved Player. Alan has played all four years of college football at Lake Forest College and this year showed exceptional growth on the field, averaging 16.9 receiving yards per game. In 2022 his hard work paid off as he finished the year with 18 receptions and 2 touchdowns, earning him this honor.
This season's Rookie of the Year award went to defensive back Thomas Dechesaro. During his freshman campaign, Dechesaro played in all 11 games and finished the year with 53 tackles and one interception.
The fifth annual Steve Little Memorial Award was given to an individual who embodies the student-athlete that works the hardest for his academic accomplishments – striving for both academic and athletic achievement. This year's winner was senior quarterback Vincent Wallace.
The Benny Watters Scout Team Players of the Year (one for offense and one for defense) are given to players who show continual growth and leadership on the scout team. This season's offensive award winner was freshman offensive lineman Jake Herstowski. The 2022 defensive award winner was freshman linebacker Daniel Adams.
The 2022 Coaches Award was presented to senior Director of Football Operations and Chief of Staff October Heffner. Her behind the scenes efforts brought the team some of the best film, after game food, and seamless days. Each week Heffner worked in recruitment, operations, special day initiatives, and making sure her peer staffers were always ready for the next thing.
Members of the Persson Family were the recipients of the 2022 Gridiron Gang Award for the second year in a row. The award is given to a fan, supporter, or family that goes above and beyond to support Forester football. The Gridiron Gang puts tremendous effort into making the experiences of the players uniquely special, win or lose. This year football alum Erik Persson joined his family in continuing the tradition of supporting and cheering on the team, a telltale sign that Forester family means forever.
Bill Langlois was awarded the inaugural Elevating the Rock Award this year after showing commitment above and beyond to advance the experience of the team. Langlois is the General Manager for Parkhurst Dining at the College and has gone above and beyond to ensure the football team had food for game days and welcomed the team in the facilities with dedication and understanding of the athlete and dietary needs that come with such a team.
In 2012, the Forester Pride Award was created in recognition of the player that best embodies what a Forester football player should be – passionate, resilient, disciplined, and tough. This individual also cares about his teammates and his team's success far more than he cares about his own. Renamed the DJ Baker Forester Pride Award, this award now takes on additional meaning after the passing of defensive lineman DJ Baker. The winner of this award exhibits an infectious spirit that resonates with his teammates and engages people from any background to feel the warmth, love, and care that DJ shared with his teammates. This individual should also bring great energy and emotion to the program and most importantly, he must carry the torch of the program into the community, both on campus and beyond. There is no greater honor in the Forester program. The 2022 DJ Baker Forester Pride Award was given to senior defensive lineman Justin Albee.
List of Awards
MVP: Alex Bendler
MIP: Alan Hanson
ROTY: Thomas Dechesaro
Gridiron Gang Award: The Persson Family
Benny Walters Scout Team Offensive POTY: Jake Herstowski
Benny Walters Scout Team Defensive POTY: Daniel Adams
Steve Little Academic Achievement Award: Vince Wallace
Elevating the Rock Award: Bill Langlois
DJ Baker Forester Pride: JustinAlbee
