Trio of Forester Rookies Named Freshman All-Americans
USA Football tabs Starnicky, Downey, and Muraski on Second Team

LAKE FOREST, IL - USA Football has named three Lake Forest College football players to their 2000 Freshman All-American team. Tom Starnicky (Oak Lawn, IL/Marist) and Brad Downey (Gloucester, MA/Governor Dummer Academy) were named to the Second Team Offense while Mike Muraski (Libertyville, IL/Libertyville) was selected to the Second Team Defensive unit.

Starnicky led the Foresters in rushing with 680 yards. From his fullback position he rushed a team-high 166 times for a 4.1 yard average and five touchdowns (second on the team). He ranked ninth in the Midwest Conference with a 74.7 yards per game average.

Downey, a center, helped anchor an offensive line that opened holes for 195.3 rushing yards per game, tied for the 45th highest total amongst NCAA Division III schools. 

Muraski, a defensive lineman, tied for third on the team with 49 total tackles (19 solo and 30 assists). Included in his tackle total were 10 tackles for loss and two-and-a-half sacks. He also had four pass break-ups and two fumbles recovered. 

Lake Forest compiled a 3-7 overall and 3-6 Midwest Conference record in 2000 under first-year Head Coach Chad Eisele.