Receiver Catches Hall of Fame Nod

May 20, 2019

Former star receiver Nate Forse will be the fourth player from Cal U’s 2007 national semifinalist football team to be inducted into the University’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

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The 2019 Hall of Fame inductees will be recognized at California University’s signature fundraiser, the Bow Ties & Pearls Ball, set for June 29 in the Cal U Convocation Center. The event is open to the public; proceeds benefit scholarships for Cal U students and legacy projects on campus. More information is  available at calu.edu/bowtiesball.

Nate Forse contemplated quitting football before coming to Cal U, but his decision not to resulted in a successful professional career and now a spot in the Cal U Athletic Hall of Fame.

A three-year starting and all-conference receiver for the football team from 2005 through 2007, Forse earned his bachelor’s degree in sport management from Cal U in 2007.

He owns and operates Forse Lifestyle Coaching, in Los Angeles, Calif.

“Cal was not my first choice, because of my dream out of high school of playing Division I. But coming here was a blessing in disguise,” said Forse who transferred from West Virginia University. “I believe everything in life happens for a purpose, and it might not happen the way you plan it, but Cal U shaped and molded me into who I am today.”

Football success was immediate for Forse at Cal U, where he led all receivers with 39 catches for 496 yards and two touchdowns in 2005.

The Vulcans won eight games and their first PSAC-West title in 21 years.

The following year Forse again led the team with 50 receptions for 768 yards and three touchdowns. The Vulcans repeated as PSAC-West champions and again won eight games.

In 2007, Forse caught 59 balls for 804 yards and 10 touchdowns as the Vulcans compiled a 13-1 overall record and earned the team’s first-ever NCAA Division II playoff appearance. Cal won two playoff games and advanced to their first of three straight national semifinal appearances. Forse earned his third all-conference accolade at season’s end.

“We had a lot of transfers, but we were so cohesive, and there were no “I” guys on our team,” Forse said. “The coaching staff always emphasized that how we’d play on gameday was all about how we prepared all week, and for me it was a fresh start.”

Two of Forse’s touchdowns his senior season came in a 38-12 win at IUP, which was Cal U’s second win over their nearby rivals in three years after losing 20 times previously. Forse had two touchdowns and 239 yards in the NCAA playoffs.

“I regret we did not make the national title game, because we had the team to do it, but that’s football,” Forse said. “You don’t get a second chance in games, and you have to be grateful for what you have and take in the most of every single day. Those are big lessons I’ve learned from football.”

He finished his collegiate career with 148 total receptions, 2,068 yards and 15 touchdowns. His career receptions and yards still rank fifth and 10th, respectively, in the school record book.

During Forse’s three seasons, the Vulcans won 29 of 35 games with a 16-2 PSAC-West mark under former head coach John Luckhardt. Forse praised Bobby Sepesy, Cal U’s head strength and conditioning coach. 

“He’s a huge influence on my life and what I do now,” said Forse, who is from Uniontown, Pa. “He really instilled a love of nutrition and a passion for training. I stayed at Cal and really dedicated myself to training and eating well before my senior season, and it was no accident that was my best year.”

Before starting his business, Forse played five Arena Football League seasons and made 199 career receptions for 2,332 yards and 38 touchdowns. He lives in Marina del Ray, Calif.  

“Southwestern Pennsylvania will always be home,” Forse said. “I am super humbled, honored and blown away by making the Hall of Fame. “I feel like I’ve come full circle and can’t believe this is happening.

“Cal U was a huge influence on me, and I could not be more grateful for my time there.”