Emphasizing ‘A Natural Style of Kicking and Punting’®, Coach Zauner’s teaching philosophy facilitates an environment where kicking specialists develop the skills, technique, and confidence to achieve their maximum physical and mental potential. At an amateur and professional level, Coach Zauner, LLC programs and events provide a kicker, punter or snapper ‘A Specialist’s Path to PRO Football'®...Coach Zauner, LLC Mission Statement

Friday, December 16, 2011

Tom Lynch Wins Fred Mitchell Award

St. Xavier Kicker Tom Lynch Wins Second Straight
Fred Mitchell Award


Fred Mitchell Presents Tom Lynch With Award

For the second year in a row, Tom Lynch (St. Xavier, Ill.) has beat out dozens of the nations top kickers to take home the Fred Mitchell Award.

The award is given to the top kicker in FCS, Div. II, Div. III, NAIA, and NJCAA for both excellence on the football field and in the community. Tom has not only had a successful season and career, but has also been instrumental in helping his team reach the NAIA National Championship this weekend!

Tom Lynch wins Field Goal Competition at Coach Zauner's 2011 
January Arizona PRO Development Kicking Camp

Having a record-breaking career, this award only adds to Tom’s list of accomplishments. This season, Tom set the school record for points by a kicker in a season with 128, set the single game scoring record with 21 points against Taylor University, while going 19 of 26 in field goals on the season. 

Tom also set school records for career scoring at 359 points as well as setting an NAIA record for extra points with 230.

Tom Lynch works on (FG) Technique During PRO Development Kicking Camp

In addition to his feats on the football field, Tom is also very dedicated to helping the community, which is what makes Tom a truly unique player and person. To name just a few activities he is involved in, Tom participates in his school’s annual service day doing community projects, volunteers at Misericordia helping those with developmental disorders, and lends time at the Kids Enjoy Exercise Program for children with disabilities.

Tom Lynch Working Field Goal Technique During One on One Kicking Lesson
Milwaukee, Wisconsin in July 2011

When Tom first contacted me, I did not know much about him except that he had previously won the Fred Mitchell Award. He was interested in attending my Arizona January PRO Development Camp to improve as a kicker.

During the camp, I noticed that he had a very strong leg, but he was kicking hard instead of a nice fluent motion. I knew that if he could control his power, he would be able to be more consistent. Also, during this camp he was one of the finalists in the field goal competition in a very talented field that included college and free agent specialists. 

Tom Lynch Working on Hurdle Kickoff Technique During
Milwaukee PRO Development Kicking Camp

Tom then returned for a One on One Kicking Lesson and my July Milwaukee PRO Development Kicking Camp to refine his technique. He is also very interactive during film sessions by asking questions and trying to  understand my 'Natural Style of Kicking'.  Since I have worked with Tom, he has shown great improvement and has become a very good ball striker. 

I can only say it was an honor a pleasure meeting and working with Tom Lynch.  He truly has a passion for kicking. He has worked hard to take his game to the highest level and I wish him the best. 

Once again, Congrats on winning your second consecutive Fred Mitchell Award and I wish you and your team the best of luck in the NAIA Championship Game vs Carroll College (Montana)!

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Click To View:  Randy Bullock Wins 2011 Lou Groza Award

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