Lake Forest College Sports Information
Contact: Mike Wajerski, SID 2002 Preview: Climbing the Ladder
On defense, First-Team All-MWC middle linebacker Casey Urlacher (younger brother of Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher) will be back for his senior season after setting a school record with 125 tackles. In 2001, the Foresters recorded 91 tackles for loss, the second-highest total in school history. Four players reached double-figures in tackles for loss, three had at least 4 sacks, and eight intercepted at least one pass. The Foresters' offense, in its first year under the direction of coordinator Brent Holsclaw, spreads out opposing defenses with multiple formations and creates big play opportunities for each of the skill positions. The 2001 team passed for more yards than any other in school history. Four different players caught at least 30 passes and gained at least 350 yards, including returning senior Mike Fitzgerald, who is averaging more than 15 yards per reception for his career. Lake Forest's special teams unit was just that - special - in 2001. Pat Dunne was an All-MWC First-Team selection at kicker and a Second-Team choice at punter. Dunne will enter his senior season with a school record 16 career field goals, including three over 40 yards, and an average of 38.2 yards per punt. He was not the only special teams player to score in 2001, as two Foresters ran kick-offs back for touchdowns. With a traditionally strong defense, a record-setting offense that is
just starting to grasp the new system, and a sound kicking game, the Foresters
are poised to continue their climb toward the top of the Midwest Conference
standings.
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