Catlin played football at the University of Chicago and also participated in track and field competitions held adjunct to the 1904 Olympic Games.

Born in Aurora, Illinois, Catlin played football at the University of Chicago under Amos Alonzo Stagg.

He accounted for the only score in Chicago's 1905 victory over Michigan by tackling a Wolverine in the end zone for a safety.

He earned All-Western Conference honors at the end position, and he was named a second team All-American.

[6] Catlin was hired as the heir apparent to John Chalmers as Iowa's head football coach.

These rule changes were made in response to growing criticism over player injuries and deaths during games at that time.

Chalmers learned the eastern style of play at Lafayette, coaching players as individuals and devising conservative schemes to maximize their talents.

After two easy wins to start the season, Iowa held a 5–0 halftime lead over Wisconsin when the two teams lined up for the second half kickoff.

Wisconsin returned a punt late in the game for a touchdown, following the path of the rabbit, and gave the Badgers a 6–5 win.

Five prominent players, including Carroll "Chick" Kirk and Walter "Stub" Stewart, were badly injured and did not regain their effectiveness all year.

In 1908, Catlin acquired a live black bear named Burch when visiting his dad back in Wisconsin.

Catlin began to make his mark on Lawrence football in 1910, when the Vikings played to a 6–6 tie with Wisconsin.

Catlin's teams won four consecutive Wisconsin Intercollegiate championships from 1911 to 1914 and gave up just one touchdown to a small college opponent.

[14] Catlin returned to football in 1924 and coached the Vikings to a 4–1–1 record and their second Midwest Conference championship.

Catlin once said, "My theory on shoulder pads is that they are unnecessary because nature has provided protection at the vital points."

He won five conference championships, and his record of 55–29–7 ranks him third on the school's all-time wins list.