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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Sergio Castillo Adopts Coach Zauner's Natural Style of Kicking |
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| 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.
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| 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.
Sergio will be honored on February 17, 2014 during the National Football Foundation Chicago Metro Chapter Awards Ceremony.
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