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

Thursday, October 4, 2012

New breed of NFL kickers:

Baby-faced and deadly from long range


Written By: Robert Klemko, USA TODAY Sports

9:13PM EST October 2. 2012 - EMORY, Va. – Justin Tucker's NFL odyssey began here, in the foothills of sparsely populated southwest Virginia, on a small college campus beset on one side by stomach-churning mountain roads and on the other by a scenic interstate. Excerpt:

LONGER AND MORE ACCURATE ...
Gary Zauner has privately coached 22 NFL Pro Bowlers and, by his count, eight kickers currently in the league, including Josh Scobee and Sebastian Janikowski. He runs a kicking academy in Arizona, tutoring kickers as young as junior high age. He remembers when high school kickers were the kids who couldn't play a more popular position.

"The kickers are no longer the nerds -- the guys who couldn't play football," he said. "Now soccer is such a popular sport that some of the good athletes went out for soccer and then, all of a sudden, you have football coaches looking to soccer athletes for kickers. The quality of the athlete is much better."


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Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Fred Mitchell Award Recognitions



FRED MITCHELL AWARD RECOGNIZES PLACE-KICKERS FOR EXCELLENCE ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD AND IN THE COMMUNITY IN SEPTEMBER

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October 2, 2012 – The Fred Mitchell Award recognizes 31 place-kickers for their excellence on the football field and in the community during the month of September.  “September had quite a few college football games decided by late scores by place-kickers, long snappers, holders and blockers on special teams.  It has been a very exciting start to the college football season.  We are pleased to recognize place-kickers that were nominated by their schools for extraordinary performance during the month,” said Fred Mitchell.  The Award’s Selection Committee Chairman Chris Kearney added, “The place-kickers we recognize are having tremendous success on the gridiron so far this season.  In addition, their civic and volunteer activities are having a profound and positive impact in their communities.  We are delighted to honor this group.”

The recipient of the Fred Mitchell Award will be announced in mid-December based on performance on the field and in the community.  Details are provided at www.fredmitchellaward.com. 

The breakdown of the 31 place-kickers is as follows:
  • Collegiate Division – 9 FCS, 9 Division II, 10 Division III, 2 NAIA and 1 NJCAA
  • State – the place-kickers play at schools located in 24 different states with three place-kickers at schools in Pennsylvania
  • Year – 16 Seniors, 8 Juniors, 6 Sophomores, 1 Freshman

In alphabetical order, the Fred Mitchell Award honorees for September 2012 are listed below.


TODD ADOLF                                                               
Northwest Missouri State University – Division II
Senior from Omaha, NE….leads the Bearcats in scoring with 45 points from 7 of 9 FG’s and 24 of 24 PAT’s….made career-long 48-yard FG in 48-10 win over Fort Hays State on September 15…..has made 222 of 226 career PAT’s….307 career points ranks 6th in school history….averaging 62 yards on 38 kickoffs….Habitat for Humanity volunteer….participates in the team’s annual cleanup efforts to help the elderly in Maryville

ALLEN CAIN                                                                
Texas Lutheran University – Division III
Senior from San Antonio, TX….leads the team in scoring with 42 points from 10 of 12 FG’s and 12 PAT’s….tied his own school and conference records with 5 FG’s in 43-35 win over Southwestern Assemblies of God on September 22….earned d3football.com Team of the Week honors….scored 14 points and made 4 FG’s in win over East Texas Baptist leading to 34-28 win on September 29….set school record for career FG’s on September 29….served as math grader, resident assistant, Student Government Association Senator, TLU Honors Program member and Math Club member…..Fellowship of Christian Athletes….Student-Athlete Advisory Council Representative….Seguin Youth Services math tutor….youth football coach

CHASE CARPENTER                                                                    
Northwest Mississippi Community College – NJCAA
Sophomore from Slayden, MS….leads the team in scoring with 34 points from 5 of 8 FG’s and 19 of 19 PAT’s…. scored 13 points in 19-13 win over Northeast Mississippi on September 20….tied school record with 4 FG’s against Northeast Mississippi….named MACJC/JUCO weekly and NJCAA Special Teams Player of the  Week following September 20 game….scored 8 points in 44-6 win over Coahoma on September 13….averaging 57 yards on 29 kickoffs….exceeded 50 hours in community service….Vacation Bible School volunteer

CASEY CLARKE                                                          
Campbellsville University (Kentucky) – NAIA
Senior from East London, England....leads the Tigers in scoring with 25 points from 6 of 8 FG’s and 7 of 7 PAT’s….never played football and did not know place-kicking rules before the 2012 season….broke or tied four school records for FG’s while scoring all 15 points in a 15-14 win at Kentucky Christian on September 29….made all 5 FG’s against Kentucky Christian and tied school record with 52-yard FG and set school kicking record with 15 points in a game….NAIA and Mid-South Conference Special Teams Player of the Week….made 43-yard FG against Bethel on September 15….averaging 62 yards on 19 kickoffs….was four-year All-Conference player on the school’s soccer team….Campbellsville Youth Soccer Association volunteer coach….participates in weekly and monthly volunteer activities with the football team including reading at local elementary schools….soccer clinic volunteer

ERNIE COLLINS                                                          
University of San Diego – FCS
Senior from San Ramon, CA….leads the Toreros in scoring with 28 points from 5 of 5 FG’s and 13 of 14 PAT’s…named College Football Performance Award’s Place-Kicker of the Week following 34-27 win over Western New Mexico on September 8….tied for 2nd longest FG in school history with 51-yard FG against Western New Mexico….has made two 48-yard FG’s this season which is tied for 4th longest FG in school history….averaging 63 yards on 18 kickoffs….Autism Tree Project Foundation volunteer….promotes autism advocacy with rest of football team....participates in Toreros Linking the Community events including the Donate-a-Dollar and Toy Drive program which helped support 30 local families by collecting hundreds of unwrapped gifts and more than $2,500

ZACH CZAP                                                                  
Lycoming College (Pennsylvania) – Division III
Junior from Philipsburg, PA … 4th on the Warriors in scoring with 17 points from 2 of 4 FG’s and 11 of 13 PAT’s….scored 6 points in 24-14 win over Delaware Valley on September 8….scored 5 points in 29-14 win over Albright on September 22….averaging 57 yards on 22 kickoffs….helped with flood cleanup along the Loyalsock Creek with the football team … helped a local church with a basketball open gym last spring … participated in the Student Senate of Lycoming College's haunted house … active in youth work at his hometown YMCA

RAINER DUZAN                                                          
Morehead State University (Kentucky) - FCS
Senior from Dublin, OH….leads the team in scoring with 28 points from 5 of 6 FG’s and 13 of 15 PAT’s….scored 13 points from 2 of 2 FG’s and 7 of 7 PAT’s in season opener win over Southern Virginia….Morehead State Student-Athlete Advisory Committee….Freshman Move-In Day volunteer….Earth Week Clean-Up volunteer

JASON FOWLER                                                          
Ouachita Baptist University (Arkansas) – Division II
Senior from Mesquite, TX….tied for 1st on the 11th ranked Tigers in scoring with 36 points from 6 of 6 FG’s and 18 of 18 PAT’s….scored 9 of the team’s 27 points in win at Southeastern Oklahoma….has made 31 of 51 FG’s in career and 145 of 148 PAT’s….volunteered at various soccer camps in the Dallas area…performs community service projects for the school’s bi-annual Tiger Serve Day

TANNER FRITSCHLE                                                 
Indiana State University - FCS
Sophomore from Washington, IN….2nd on the Sycamores in scoring with 38 points from 8 of 9 FG’s and 14 of 14 PAT’s….made career-long 45-yard FG in the season opener at Indiana University….made a FG to end the first half in the team’s first four games….averaging 64 yards on 23 kickoffs….volunteers for Special Olympics, Susan G. Komen Foundation, Terre Haute Catholic Charities, Recess with the Sycamores and The Wabash Riverside Development Cleanup

JACOB GAHART                                                        
Ripon College (Wisconsin) – Division III
Senior from Elkhorn, WI…. 3rd on the Red Hawks in scoring with 22 points from 2 of 5 FG’s, 16 of 16 PAT’s…33 career FG’s breaks the school record of 25, with the rest of the 2012 season to play… averaging 59 yards on 22 kickoffs….career development department volunteer at Ripon College….mentor to students at Ripon Middle School….assisted with research to establish an improved test for freshmen during Summer orientation

JAMES GISH                                                                                   
Southwestern Assemblies of God University (Texas) – NAIA
Junior from Waxahachie, TX….leads the team in scoring with 31 points from 7 of 7 FG’s and 10 of 10 PAT’s…made season-long 41-yard FG to secure the 27-17 win at Howard Payne University….scored all 12 of the team’s points in a 13-12 loss to then-#18 Bethany College….volunteers with football and soccer camps that allow low-income children to attend sports camps

TAYLOR GROFF                                                                           
East Stroudsburg University (Pennsylvania) – Division II
Junior from Manheim, PA….scored 32 points from 5 of 9 FG’s and 17 of 17 PAT’s….scored 9 points including 51-yard FG in September 29 game against Clarion….holds school record for career FG % and 12 career FG’s of 40+ yards ranks 2nd in school history….ranks 5th in ESU history with 169 kicking points….averaging 62 yards on 26 kickoffs….volunteer for children’s programs at local church….participates in school’s Breakfast with the Warriors during preseason camp…volunteers at Kohl’s Kicking Camps and Special Teams Solutions Camps

BRIAN HARVEY                                                                            
University of Maine – FCS
Senior from Wayland, MA….leads the Black Bears in scoring with 22 points from 4 of 8 FG’s and 10 of 11 PAT’s…. scored 9 points in 51-7 win over Bryant on September 15….scored 8 points against Albany on September 22….Maine Troop Greeters volunteer….volunteers to assist the senior citizens in hometown….volunteers at several kicking camps

AARON JAMIESON                                                                      
University of Central Missouri – Division II
Senior from Cassville, MO….2nd on the Mules in scoring with 27 points from 2 of 4 FG’s and 21 of 22 PAT’s…. scored 7 points in 31-21 win over #3 Northwest Missouri on September 8….scored 8 points in 38-17 win over Truman State on September 20….became the school’s all-time leading scorer for a kicker on September 20….Literacy Team volunteer where student-athletes read to local elementary school students….Veteran’s Home volunteer in Warrensburg….Fellowship of Christian Athletes…leads worship services…collaborated with his father at his high school alma mater to start The Character Project where students participate in regular community service

JOSH KAY                                                                                       
Linfield College (Oregon) – Division III
Senior from Salem, OR….leads the team in scoring with 33 points from 5 of 9 FG’s and 18 of 18 PAT’s….scored 15 points from 4 of 4 FG’s and 3 of 3 PAT’s including game-winning 39-yard FG in 33-30 win over #10 Cal Lutheran on September 15….selected September 18 as the Northwest Conference Student-Athlete of the Week for Special Teams….4 FG’s in win over Cal Lutheran were from 35-45 yards….averaging 64 yards on 27 kickoffs… football camp volunteer for the "See Ya Later" Foundation…works with the Foundation’s director on developing and managing a Kids Golf Camp for the spring of 2012 with the goal of reaching 150 local youth …competed in golf at Linfield where he helped the school capture the 2011 Northwest Conference championship…competed at the 2011 NCAA Division III Championships….volunteer coach at South Salem High School summer football camp….served as mentor and role model to young athletes in youth development program at Courthouse Athletic Club including assuming a leadership role while teaching specialized performance training

ADAM KELLER                                                                             
North Dakota State University – FCS
Sophomore from Lewisberry, PA….leads the #1 ranked Bison in scoring with 45 points from 8 of 11 FG’s and 21 of 21 PAT’s….tied school record with 4 FG’s in 33-21 win at #14 Northern Iowa on September 29….first year as full-time starting kicker….scored 12 points in 52-0 win over Robert Morris on September 1 including 9 PAT’s which nearly tied the school record of 10 PAT’s in a game….averaging 62 yards on 30 kickoffs….volunteer coach for Tri-City seventh grade soccer team…Rosewood Nursing Home volunteer

JOSEPH MALLOCK                                                                      
Williams College (Massachusetts) – Division III
Junior from West Orange, NJ….leads the team in scoring with 17 points from 4 of 4 FG’s and 5 of 5 PAT’s….has made 9 consecutive FG’s….scored 10 points in 41-7 win over Colby College on September 22….named NESCAC Special Teams Player of the Week in two consecutive weeks following wins over Colby and Trinity….volunteered with teammates for Habitat for Humanity, cleaning up debris in local trailer park after Hurricane Irene and served food at the Berkshire Food Project….note taker on campus for students who are unable to take their own notes….contributing writer for the Williams Record covering the men’s golf team….volunteer caddie instructor at golf club in hometown

JIMMIE MATTSON                                                                       
St. John’s University (Minnesota) – Division III
Senior from Eau Claire, WI….leads the Johnnies in scoring with 28 points from 2 of 6 FG’s and 22 of 22 PAT’s….scored 7 points including 28-yard FG with 2 minutes left in the game in 31-28 win over Wisconsin-Eau Claire on September 8….scored 10 points including 49-yard FG in 52-7 win over Northwestern College on September 1....averaging 64 yards on 25 kickoffs….volunteered with the Eau Claire Area Youth Football camp for three summers….has volunteered with the Eau Claire Salvation Army each of the last four seasons….read and helped at Eau Claire Elementary School as a classroom volunteer during breaks and summers each of the past four years….volunteered with the non-profit Eau Claire Crush football team during summer 2012 including helping in the community and donating all fundraising proceeds to local charities….volunteered with Volunteers in Service to Others (VISTO) on campus organization including swimming with disabled adults and those with special needs

ANTONIO MAYO                                                                          
Fayetteville State University (North Carolina) – Division II
Sophomore from Jacksonville, NC….leads the Broncos in scoring with 24 points from 4 of 5 FG’s and 12 of 12 PAT’s…scored 7 points against Elizabeth City State on September 22 including career-long 42-yard FG….made career-long 45-yrad FG the following week against Chowan….averaging 51 yards on 20 kickoffs….Student-Athlete Advisory Committee….participated in the announcement of the SAAC essay contest with local elementary schools about anti-bullying in schools

JAMES MCFADDEN                                                                     
Widener University (Pennsylvania) – Division III
Senior from Warminster, PA….leads the team in scoring with 39 points from 1 of 1 FG’s and 36 of 38 PAT’s….ranks 4th in the Middle Atlantic Conference with 39 points….12 of 12 PAT’s against Wilkes on September 22 set the Conference record and nearly tied the NCAA record of 13 PAT’s….made the game-winning 33-yard FG in OT to help rally past Lebanon Valley 40-37 on September 29….Conference Special Teams Player of the Week each of the past two weeks….averaging 62 yards on 48 kickoffs….participates in football team community events including drunk driving awareness, Sun Hill clean-up near campus, Relay for Life and Special Olympics

THOMAS OBARSKI                                                                       
Concordia University (Minnesota) – Division II
Sophomore from Burnsville, MN….leads the Golden Bears in scoring with 31 points from 6 of 8 FG’s and 13 of 14 PAT’s…. scored 10 points in 34-24 win over Minnesota Crookston on September 8 to earn NSIC Special Teams Player of the Week honors….ranks 6th in NSIC scoring and tied for 3rd in the Conference in FG’s made….10 of 10 in career on FG’s up to 40 yards….averaging 59 yards on 21 kickoffs….drug education mentor/teacher to middle school children….high school camp volunteer….Feed My Starving Children volunteer….church student leader….Bible Study leader….served on overseas missions trip….helped raise over $6,000 for the tsunami relief fund in Japan…supported and raised funds for Project Rescue

GREG O’DONNELL                                                                       
Colorado State University-Pueblo – Division II
Freshman from Colorado Springs, CO….has scored 34 points from 6 of 9 FG’s and 16 of 18 PAT’s…..tied for 8th in Division II with 6 FG’s….received Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Special Teams Player of the Week honors twice in September….made the first 3 FG’s of his collegiate career in the season’s first game against nationally-ranked West Texas A&M…..made 3 FG’s in 30-0 win over Adams State on September 22 including his current career-high 49-yard FG….visits sick children with football teammates at Pueblo St. Mary’s Corwin Medical Center

NATE RAY                                                                                      
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh – Division III
Sophomore from Verona, WI….leads team in scoring with 36 points from 7 of 7 FG’s and 15 of 17 PAT’s….scored 10 points in 16-7 win over UW-La Crosse on September 15….tied school record by making 4 FG’s in a game in 19-7 win over UW-River Falls on September 29….Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh volunteer….Wisconsin Special Olympics volunteer….Oshkosh YMCA volunteer

TYLER SIEVERTSEN                                                                    
University of Northern Iowa – FCS
Junior from Cedar Rapids, IA….2nd on the Panthers in scoring with 30 points from 4 of 5 FG’s and 18 of 18 PAT’s ….scored 10 points against the University of Iowa on September 15 including career-long 49-yard FG….scored 9 points in 59-0 win over Central State on September 8…..active leader in career FG % in FCS….averaging 63 yards on 24 kickoffs….Just Read program volunteer to connect UNI student-athletes with elementary school students….Special Olympics volunteer….Kickers in the Midwest mentor…high school football camp volunteer….Salvation Army bell ringer

WESLEY SKIFFINGTON                                                              
Stony Brook University (New York) - FCS
Senior from Brandon, FL….2nd on the team in scoring with 35 points from 6 of 6 FG’s and 17 of 17 PAT’s….scored 11 points in 23-3 win over Army on September 29….scored 8 points in 32-31 win over Colgate on September 22….most prolific kicker in school history….all-time leading scorer in school history….Friends of Jaclyn Program volunteer….Sunrise Fund volunteer at Stony Brook University Medical Center

PAT SMITH                                                                                     
Western Illinois University - FCS
Junior from Quincy, IL….leads the Leathernecks in scoring with 26 points from 7 of 7 FG’s and 5 of 5 PAT’s….matched career-high with 3 FG’s in 23-15 win over Butler in season-opener…..made career-long 46-yard FG in 27-17 win over Indianapolis on September 8….ranks 6th in FCS with 1.75 FG’s per game….100% FG % ranks 1st in FCS and no kickers in FCS have made all FG’s with more attempts….averaging 60 yards on 16 kickoffs….Relay for Life volunteer….Special Olympics volunteer…Rocky’s Reach volunteer helping elementary school children during recess and reading…Jump Rope for Heart volunteer

STEFAN TERLECKYJ                                                                   
Wayne State University (Michigan) – Division II
Junior from Warren, MI….2nd on the team in scoring with 20 points from 3 of 6 FG’s and 11 of 11 PAT’s….school's all-time leader in PATs made (125) and attempted (127) in just his third season ... among all-time leaders in school history in FG’s made with 26 ... scored 9 points in 35-31 win over Lake Erie on September 15….averaging 57 yards on 19 kickoffs…helped sell merchandise for breast cancer awareness at the WSU women's basketball game ... collected small toiletry items to make basic needs bags for the Covenant House Michigan as part of the Wayne Cares program ... participated in United Way's Martin Luther King Day of Service by assisting the Motor City Blight Busters with a renovation project in metropolitan Detroit

DAN TRYON                                                                                   
Wesley College (Delaware) – Division III
Senior from Wilmington, DE….3rd on the Wolverines in scoring with 15 points from 2 of 2 FG’s, 9 of 11 PAT’s….made 31-yard FG as time expired to beat #25 Louisiana College 25-22 on September 22….named NCAA.com Special Teams of the Week on September 28….scored 5 points in 17-7 win over #6 Salisbury on September 8….Team Captain and MVP of the 2012 lacrosse team….Special Olympics volunteer….Jumpstart’s Read for the Record program

BRADEN WIEKING                                                                                         
University of Sioux Falls (South Dakota) – Division II
Senior from Sioux Falls, SD….2nd on the Cougars in scoring with 43 points from 8 of 9 FG’s and 19 of 20 PAT’s…entered 2012 season with 309 points ranking 2nd in school history among kickers and 7th overall… scored 11 points in41-22 win over Southwest Minnesota on September 29….averaging 63 yards on 36 kickoffs….team’s nomination for Allstate Good Hands Team….Sioux Falls Fellowship of Christian Athletes volunteer and Group Huddle Leader on campus….Habitat for Humanity volunteer….Vacation Bible Study volunteer

ANDY WILDER                                                            
Northern Arizona University – FCS
Junior from Scottsdale, AZ….2nd on the team in scoring with 33 points from 6 of 8 FG’s and 15 of 15 PAT’s….made game-winning 33-yard FG against UNLV to upset the FBS Rebels 17-14….game-winner was the first FG of his college career….made 2 FG’s against both Fort Lewis and Montana….Welcome Back Jacks event volunteer helping students move into on-campus housing in the fall….represented football team in Flagstaff Fourth of July parade

SEAN WILLIAMS                                                         
Wittenberg University (Ohio) – Division III
Senior from Plainfield, IN…2nd on the 20th ranked Tigers in scoring with 25 points from 3 of 5 FG’s and 16 of 17 PAT’s….182 career kicking points is 4th in school history surpassing Fred Mitchell in the first game of the 2012 season….holds school records for consecutive FG’s (19) and PAT’s made (50)….has made 98 of 102 PAT’s in his career for school best 98% among kickers with at least 40 attempts….averaging 57 yards on 23 kickoffs….youth football camp volunteer in hometown and at Wittenberg….volunteered at Habitat for Humanity Re-Store in Springfield….Springfield Regional Medical Center volunteer….Rocking Horse Community Health Center internal


About the Fred Mitchell Award
The annual Fred Mitchell Outstanding Place-Kicker Award (also known as the Fred Mitchell Award, www.fredmitchellaward.com) is provided to the nation’s top collegiate place-kicker among more than 750 FCS, Division II, III, NAIA and NJCAA football teams.  The Award is named for Fred Mitchell, the record-setting place-kicker, Wittenberg University Athletic Hall of Famer, author, philanthropist and Chicago Tribune sports columnist.  The recipient of the Fred Mitchell Award will be chosen based on excellence on the football field and in the community.  The Award’s Watch List is released each August, top performers are recognized monthly during the college football season, and the winner (who is not required to be on the Watch List) is announced in mid-December.  The school of the Award winner receives scholarship funds and the Fred Mitchell Award trophy will be presented on February 18, 2013 at the National Football Foundation Chicago Metro Chapter Awards Ceremony at Halas Hall (details for this event are at www.nffchicagoawards.eventbrite.com). 

A blue-ribbon Selection Committee (listed at www.fredmitchellaward.com) evaluates place-kickers that are nominated by their schools.  Members of the Pro and/or College Football Hall of Fame on the Selection Committee include Tom Beck, Kevin Butler, Paul Hornung, Marv Levy, Steve McMichael, Don Pierson and Gale Sayers.  Former football players and others that are active in their communities are also on the Selection Committee including Carl Allegretti, Sean Gothier, Teddy Greenstein, Michael Husted, Dan Jiggetts, Rick Kolaczewski, Connie Kowal, Greg Loberg, Tom Lynch, Carol Monroe, Jeff Michalczyk, Mark Murphy, Rob Perry, Jeff Schebler, Caroline Schrenker, Jay Sebben, Bob Thomas, Wolfe Tone, Todd Wilkins, Gary Zauner and Rob Zvonar.  There are 10 former college or NFL place-kickers on the Selection Committee, including Schebler (the inaugural Fred Mitchell Award recipient in 2009 and the highest-scoring place-kicker in NCAA history at any level) and Lynch (two-time recipient of the Award and the kicker on the 2011 NAIA National Champion Saint Xavier University Cougars).

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