Lake Forest Head Coach Brent Becker Resigns, Jim Catanzaro Promoted
Becker leaves after four seasons as head coach and six years with the program

Brent Becker

Jim Catanzaro

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.