Lake Forest College Sports Information
Contact:  Mike Wajerski, SID

2003 Preview: Back for More
  

Senior Don Lackey (13) looks to lead the Forester offense this season with help from Marty Quinn (27).
LAKE FOREST, IL - The 2002 Foresters recorded a 9-2 overall record, the most victories in school history, the program's first conference title since 1983, and its first-ever NCAA Playoff appearance. While their fans are relishing the season, arguably the best in school history, those returning in 2003 are anxiously awaiting their opportunity to do it again.

"We graduated a few of our top players," comments fourth-year head coach Chad Eisele. "But there are a bunch of talented guys returning, including a few who are ready to take over for last year's seniors."

One of the talented returning players is all-conference quarterback Don Lackey, who has already re-written the school's single-season record book and is closing in on a number of career marks as well. Nick Hildreth and Marty Quinn will lead the receiving corps after combining for 76 receptions and 1,100 all-purpose yards in 2002. Lackey will have a trio of all-conference linemen, Ben Larkin, Andy Shaffer, and Troy Paulsen, protecting him again in 2003.

On the other side of the ball, the Foresters fielded the best defense in the MWC and one of the top squads in the country. Although the team loses three all-conference linebackers, five of the league's best at their positions are expected to return. Defensive end Tom Starnicky, linebacker Omar Pickering, and safeties Pat Gillihan and Drew Holman were third through sixth on the team in tackles last season while nose tackle David Bleitner also earned All-MWC honors.

If things go the way Coach Eisele anticipates, Forester fans will be able to reflect on another successful season next year. "The coaches and players worked hard to become the best team in our league. To remain at the top, we'll need to continue that effort, add a few talented newcomers, and approach each season with the same level of determination we had in 2002."