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

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Sergio Castillo All American Kicker, Wins Fred Mitchell Award

West Texas AM Kicker, Sergio Castillo Wins Fred Mitchell Award
I first met Sergio Castillo, Jr. in 2010 when he came to Scottsdale, Arizona for a One on One Kicking Lesson.  Since that time he has come back almost every year for addiitonal kicking lessons to improve his technique and also to attend the PRO Development Camps to get competition. 

I am proud to announce Sergio is the recipient of the 2013 Fred Mitchell Award. The Award is provided to the nation’s top place-kicker in FCS, Division II, Division III, NAIA and NJCAA for excellence on the football field and in the community. Over 750 place-kickers are eligible.

The Award is named for Fred Mitchell, the All-American place-kicker from Wittenberg University and longtime sports columnist for the Chicago Tribune. Mitchell said, “It is a thrill to congratulate Sergio as the first Division II kicker to receive the Fred Mitchell Award. With more than 750 place-kickers to choose from, we are extremely proud to recognize Sergio among a stellar group of nominees. Sergio’s record-setting season and career are very impressive. He led the Buffs in scoring while playing a key role in the team’s successful playoff run and 11-3 record. He is a very accurate kicker, having made 62 of 79 career field goals and 251 of 255 extra points. Sergio has focused his community service efforts on mentoring young people.

Sergio volunteers weekly in the Students in Free Enterprise program to assist troubled youth with math, life lessons, college planning and job interviews.  He is a regular speaker in Amarillo in the Step Up to Success program, where he counsels high school and middle school students.  As a Toys for Juarez volunteer, he collects and distributes toys to children in Juarez, Mexico. He is a Huddle Leader, member of the football team’s Bible study and Fellowship of Christian Athletes member.

Sergio Castillo in 2010 at First One on One Lesson
As you can see from the photos below Sergio started One on One Kicking Lessons with the typical head back and crunching style of kicking which is coached by many kicking coaches around the country.
Starting Technique at First One on One Lesson
Sergio has now adopted Coach Zauner's Natural Style of Kicking and Punting in which the torso stays more upright so he can kick and punt up and through the ball much easier.

Sergio Castillo Adopts Coach Zauner's Natural Style of Kicking 
Sergio Castillo adopts Coach Zauner's Natural Style of Punting
Since 2010 Sergio has continually improved and matured as a person and kicker.  His mother has supported him in every way possible. Saving money for kicking lessons and kicking camps so her son could be the best he can be.
Sergio at 2012 May PRO Development Camp
As a teacher and kicking coach I must say that Sergio Castillo was very coachable and a quick study.  He picked up the Natural Style of Kicking and Punting quickly and worked hard to master it.  His college stats and record speak for itself. 

I want to commend Sergio Castillo for his hard work in the past four years and congratulate him on his recent accomplishment as a First Team All American Place Kicker and now winning the 2013 Fred Mitchell Award. As a parent his mother must be very proud. Way to go Sergio!

Sergio will be honored on February 17, 2014 during the National Football Foundation Chicago Metro Chapter Awards Ceremony.



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