Mike Sosulski, President | Lake Forest College
Mike Sosulski, President | Lake Forest College
Lake Forest College marked a milestone on September 6, 2025, by participating in the first NCAA Division III football game ever held in Arizona. The Foresters faced Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges at Hamilton High School in Chandler, Arizona.
The event attracted a large turnout of fans, families, and alumni. The City of Chandler recognized the occasion by declaring September 6 as Lake Forest College Day.
Pre-game festivities included more than 400 registered attendees. The team was welcomed with cheers as they entered the celebration. Alumna Tarah Oliver performed the national anthem, continuing a tradition from her student years.
Although Lake Forest lost to Claremont-Mudd-Scripps 14-7 in this non-conference season opener, the game highlighted Division III football’s expansion into new regions and showcased the college’s ties to Arizona. Over 50 players on Lake Forest’s roster are from Arizona.
The game followed a notable 2024 season for Lake Forest College football. That year, the team achieved a perfect regular-season record of 10-0, won the Midwest Conference championship, and reached the second round of the NCAA Division III Playoffs for the first time in program history.
Media coverage extended beyond campus, with outlets such as the Press-Enterprise of San Bernardino mentioning the event in its College Sports Roundup and The Gila Herald reporting on Arizona’s impact on the Forester team.
The event demonstrated strong support for Lake Forest College athletics among students and alumni living far from campus.
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