Testimonials

“The number 1 thing I think back on in regard to LT is the relationships you build. The team, the community, the training tables, the pride of putting on that jersey every Friday night and representing your peers. Going to school here and playing sports provided me with so many opportunities to grow as a person and as an athlete. Playing in meaningful games in front of great crowds gave me so many memorable experiences that have pushed me to be the player and person I am today. The work ethic, discipline, and accountability that were instilled in me from going through the LT football program allowed me to have success at both the D1 and NFL levels. Go Lions!” - Jake Elliott, Class of 2013

“As a broadcaster for FOX Sports, the lessons I learned playing football at LT are with me every day. As a high schooler, Coach Beutjer would take time out of his day to watch film with me during lunch. Now, when I broadcast college football games, Coach Beutjer’s insights help me breakdown the game for millions of people watching on TV. LT Football has shaped who I am as a man, as a leader & as a communicator.” - Connor Onion, Class of 2013

“LT Football played a huge role in shaping who I am today. The expectations were high, and Coach Beutjer always emphasized discipline, accountability, and attention to detail. The environment at LT made the transition to college easier because I already knew the standard and what it took to compete every day. More importantly, the program taught me lessons that go far beyond football, like how to manage my time and handle adversity when things don't go my way. These standards and values will continue to guide me in my career and life, and I'm grateful for the foundation LT gave me.” - Ben Bryant, Class of 2017

“I can thank the LT football program for where I am today. I was able to build lifelong friendships while also setting myself up for success both on and off the field, preparing me to compete at the next level. The thing that sets the program apart is the strong sense of community that is ingrained in the culture. Hard work becomes far more meaningful when you are doing it with your brothers learning to enjoy the grind together. Coach Beujter also knows what it takes to play at the next level and the intensity that should be brought to practice, film, and the weight room, holding everyone to a standard that demands accountability and discipline. The transition to Yale both academically and athletically, was not easy, but I never once doubted my ability to succeed, because of the preparation that I went through at LT and the program.” - Graham Smith, Class of 2023

“Lyons Township is more than a school to me and my family - it’s a legacy with generations attending since the late 1950s. LT Football played a pivotal role in shaping my character, discipline, and work ethic, while also preparing me, my family and countless teammates to compete at the highest levels of college football and the NFL. Through the program, I built lifelong relationships with a true band of brothers. Alongside the relationships and lessons from football, the outstanding education at LT prepared me to succeed at Northwestern University and beyond. No matter where life and my career have taken me, the LT name has carried reach and instant recognition - a reflection of the excellence, brotherhood, and leadership forged through LT Football and the greater community.”- Matthew Harris, Class of 2012

“When I was 10 years old, I used to ride my bike with my buddies to watch the LT varsity football games. Watching those guys play on the field were my heroes. To be able to play with your best friends, for your community that truly cares about you means so much. These coaches are more than coaches, they continue to care about their players long after they graduate. You’re more than a football player in their eyes, you’re a friend.” - Danny Pasko, Class of 2023

“The Friday night lights at LT are different than anywhere else. There’s something special about playing in front of your community, your friends, and your family every week. The atmosphere, the crowd, and the energy make every game feel bigger than just football. Being on the field with teammates I grew up playing youth football with makes it even more meaningful. Those nights are memories I’ll always carry with me.”- Ryan Jackson, Class of 2024

“Over my 4 years at LT I was lucky to be on some very special football teams. When we called each other a family we meant it and it was obvious to those who watched us. LT helped me form those great connections and receive a great education and LT football gave me the platform to show my skills and the chase my dream of playing division one football.”- Travis Stamm, Class of 2025

“LT has really helped me prepare for life and college. Some of my best memories are playing football and volleyball and the coaches that I had for both of those sports made it 10x better. I would not be who I am today without the help of my coaches at LT.” - Tyler Chambers, Class of 2025

From the very beginning, LT Football felt like home. At the parent information meeting before my son, Anthony’s freshman season, we introduced ourselves to Coach Beutjer. He turned to Anthony with a smile and said, “Antman, great to see you. We’re excited to have you on the team and can’t wait to see you do great things.” In that moment, I knew my son would be okay and have a great experience playing for LT.

LT Football has been a part of our daily lives for the last four years. I became involved with the LT Football Pride Club when my son was a freshman, becoming a team photographer, helping prepare and serve meals at our weekly team dinners, planning events, working side by side with other parents, and watching the players light up during activities like the egg hunt, paintball, bowling, unloading Christmas trees, volunteering and chatting in the stands and sidelines. Those moments are what made our four years in this program so special.

LT Football extends far beyond Friday night lights. It’s the early morning workouts and breakfasts, laughter during team events, and the friendships formed among parents working side by side. Over four years, this program gave our family so much more than football - it gave us belonging. The foundation laid by the coaches and strengthened by the LT Football Pride Club creates an environment where players grow not only as athletes, but as young men of character. It is a place where they learn to lead, to serve, and to stand together through adversity and persevere. It is a place where families share a bond that lasts long after the final whistle.

We are LT. We are family. - Katy Hillmann

As I look back on my son’s four years with the Lyons Township Football program, I am truly astounded—not just by the program's growth, but by the transformation of my son. If you are currently deciding if or where your son should play football, look no further.

When you choose a program, you want to know it can compete at the highest level. LT Football plays 8A ball, the most competitive tier in the state. In the last four years alone, this team has had two monumental seasons. The results on the scoreboard speak for themselves, but those wins are the byproduct of a relentless pursuit of excellence that starts in the off-season.

Coach Beutjer and his staff are dedicated to this program 365 days a year. They constantly think of new ways to elevate the experience for these young men. From a dedicated strength coach, combines,  off-season team-building events, "family" meals, and talks from NFL players & Super Bowl champs, the resources and culture at LT are second to none. They’ve even added a "Mom’s Practice," which was a parent favorite and something I'll never forget! The coaches never stop asking: “How can we make this better?”

What truly sets LT apart is the "hidden curriculum." While they teach the physicality, strategy, and skills needed to win in this conference, they prioritize the life skills that create successful men. On and off the field, the coaches emphasize resilience, self-advocacy, independence, consequences, being a good friend and teammate, and most importantly, gratitude. I have heard coaches remind players to look adults in the eye, offer a firm handshake, and put their phones away at the dinner table so they can actually converse with their teammates.

The true measure of these coaches & this program was proven to me when my son was injured during his senior year. Every single coach reached out to him to check in, offer encouragement, and support him through his surgery & recovery. To them, my son wasn’t just a number on a roster or a stat on a sheet—he was a part of the family.

My son entered the LT Football program as a boy and is leaving physically & mentally stronger and with memories to last a lifetime. More importantly, he is leaving as a young man of character, equipped with accountability, discipline, and a deep understanding of what it means to be a teammate.

If your son is thinking about playing football, there is no better place to be than right here at LT.

Go LT!
Kristen Graves, Proud Parent of a 4-Year LT Football Player