Why Vegas, Reason Number…..

Why Vegas, Reason Number…..

The Lou Groza Award was established in 1992 to recognize the top place kicker in college football each year.  In 1997, I was myself fortunate enough to be a part of the festivities.  As one of the three finalists I was invited to West Palm Beach, FL.  I witnessed first hand the professionalism surrounding the prestigious award.  I made it a goal, even then, to one day help other athletes experience what I was able to.  Fast forward six years and Vegas was created.

Vegas was created in 2003 to establish credible rating standards for high school kickers/punters. Vegas provided the ultimate exposure, which in turn created opportunity for thousands to follow.  Some of the goals/objectives that I had written down then were: exposure, national rankings, college opportunity, scholarships, Lou Groza Award winners, NFL Draftees, larger NFL contracts, etc.  Fast forward to 2016 and …… mission accomplished.  There is still a ways to go, but progress has been made each and every year thanks to Vegas.

Since 2003, six Vegas participants have gone on to win the Lou Groza Award.  Even more impressive, six of the past nine Lou Groza Award Winners were Vegas participants.  Take a look:

Dan Bailey

2007 – Thomas Weber (Arizona State)
2009 – Kai Forbath (UCLA)
2010 – Dan Bailey (Oklahoma State)
2011 – Randy Bullock (Texas A&M)
2014 – Brad Craddock (Maryland)
2015 – Ka’imi Fairbairn (UCLA)

Of course, the hard work doesn’t stop upon graduation from High School.  Chris Sailer Kicking continues to work with these and all athletes throughout college and on the NFL.  Just one more reason to attend Vegas XXIX January 14-15!  Register Here

 

 Ka'imi Fairbairn, 2015 Lou Groza Award Winner

Ka’imi Fairbairn, 2015 Lou Groza Award Winner

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Chris Sailer Kicking Australian Import Brad Craddock Wins the Lou Groza Award!

In February of 2011 Chris Sailer Kicking made its annual trip to Australia to scout international talent through OzPunt.Net  I usually scout 40 plus punters that have aspirations of playing college football in the U.S . and/or playing in the NFL.  Very few athletes in Australia want to pursue kicking in the U.S.  But in 2011, I found a rare talent.  His name was….Brad Craddock.  At the time he was beyond raw.  I started with 3 steps back and 2 steps over.  Within a few hours, I knew he could play college football.

A few months later, with some convincing, he landed a scholarship to the University of Maryland. Since then, he has gone on to break record after record, surpassing Chris Sailer Kicking’s own Obi Egekeze.  And tonight he put the cherry on top, taking home the 2014 Lou Groza Award present the the College Placekicker of the Year.  Congratulations to Brad and his family.  OzPunt also deserves great recognition.

Chris Sailer Kicking will again travel to Australia in February of 2015.  Who will be next?

Craddock Headshot

Brad Craddock (Australia) is a big time D1A all ar

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