2013 IL Nike Spring Camp Recap

Chris Sailer Kicking made its third stop on the Nike Spring Camp Tour in Chicago, IL March 17th.  Specialists from over a dozen states were on hand at perhaps the most talented camp yet.  The results in 30 degree temperatures were impressive.  Take a look at who stepped up the most.

Camp Champion:
Mike Knoll (2014 OH) – Mike had an impressive day from start to finish.  The 2-Time Chris Sailer Kicking “TOP 12” Member won two of the four major competitions. He came out on top in the punt competition, field goals competition and head to head finals round competition.  Mike continues to prove he is one of the very best kicking and punting prospects in the nation.  Look for Mike to pick up D1 offers in the near future.

Field Goal Champion:
Hayden Lekacz (2014 IL) – Hayden was once again one of the very best on this day.  The “TOP 12” Member finished near the top in every competition.  He won the field goal competition by nailing a 55-yarder with a stiff cross wind.  His kickoffs were also outstanding.  Hayden is a big time D1 prospect.
Kickoff Champion: 
Rafael Gaglianone (2014 TN) – The recent overall Vegas Event Champion continued to roll in Chicago.  On this day, the “TOP 12” Member won the kickoff competition by hitting a 70 yard, 4.05 kickoff with a stiff cross wind.  He was equally impressive on field goals.  Rafael is one of the purest kickers in the nation.  Look for him to have multiple offer by summers end.

Class of 2013 Standouts:
Luke Nelson (IL) – Luke is a big time punting talent.  He has now proven himself at several Chris Sailer Kicking Events.  Luke punts for excellent hang time and distance.  He has all the tools to develop into a dominating D1 punter.

Thomas Finucane (IL) – The longtime Chris Sailer Kicking punter has shown tremendous improvement over the years.  He had a great all around day proving that he has what it takes to punt at the college level.   The lefty should find a college home in the near future.

Donny Mann (MN) – The transfer kicker proved himself right away.  Donny has a big leg and kicks with excellent consistency.  Has all the tools to compete at any college level.  Look for Donny to find a new college home this upcoming year and provide immediate help.  He has 2 years of eligibility remaining.

Class of 2014 Standouts:
John Duvic (IL) – John is simply a fantastic kicker.  A great athlete that shows all the signs to have a great college career.  He has all the tools to take his game to the next level.  Look for John to challenge for an “Event Elite” spot this May at the upcoming 11th Annual National Kicking Spring Event in Las Vegas.

Michael Farkas (IN) – Michael is a top combo prospect in the nation.  He shows outstanding talent as both a kicker and punter.  He is consistent off the ground and kickoffs are nearing college ready.  His biggest plus may just be his punting potential.  At 6 foot, 4 inches he has the tools to be a great punter at the next level.  Michael is a fine college prospect.

Other 2014 standouts:
Justin Cole and Ryan Graf

Class of 2015 Standout:
Tristan Cunha

Read more at www.scout.com

Chris Sailer Kicking will make its next stop in Charlotte, NC on April 13th and Atlanta, GA on April 14th.  The Spring will wrap up with camp in Los Angeles, CA on April 28th and finally the huge National Spring Event in Las Vegas May 4-5.  For more information visit ChrisSailerKicking.com

Mike Knoll in action!

2-Time “TOP 12” Member Mike Knoll in action!

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2013 TX Nike Spring Camp Recap

2013 Chris Sailer Kicking TX Nike Spring Camp Recap

Chris Sailer Kicking made its second stop on the Nike Spring Camp Tour in Dallas, TX this past weekend.  Every time we head to Texas, I expect to see as much, if not more talent than anywhere in the country.  As always, specialists traveled in from all over the nation to compete at the highest level.  Take a look at the champions and overall standouts.

Camp Champion
Hunter Morrow (2014 TX): Hunter put on a dominating performance on this day.  He won two of the four major competitions and continued to take care of business in the Finals Round.  He hit multiple 50 plus yard field goals off the ground under intense pressure.  He also won the kickoff competition by hitting a wind aided 83 yard kickoff.  Hunter is proving time and time again that he is worthy of a D1 College Scholarship Offer.

Field Goal Champion
Austin McGehee (2014 AR): Austin had an impressive all around day.  His field goals, kickoffs and punts were all solid.  He won the field goal competition by hitting a 55 yard field goal off the ground.  Austin is proving he is a top player in his class.

Punt Champion
Manuel Meza (2014 JC CA):  Meza was once again the best punter at the camp. Coming off his punt championship last weekend in Los Angeles, he was easily able to win back to back.  Manuel consistently hits 45 plus yard punts, with 4.5 plus second hang times.  He will be one of the very best Junior College Punters in the nation next year without a doubt.

2014 Standouts
Mick Ellis (TX): Mick is simply an outstanding kicker.  The 2-Time Chris Sailer “TOP 12” Member is always on his game.  He is one of the best pure field goal kickers off the ground.  Mick connected from 60 yards on this day.  Kickoffs were also big as he was able to knock a wind aided kick through the uprights from the 35 yard line.  Mick is without a doubt a scholarship level player.

Cameron Gamble (TX):  Cameron is as talented as any kicker in the nation.  He has a huge leg and hits a big time ball.  Cameron always competes at the highest level.  On this day he was by far the most impressive on kickoffs, hitting a wind aided 85 yard, 3.85 second kick.

Yanni Routsas (TX):  Yanni has all the tools to be one of the very best.  A big, tall, strong athlete that shows great potential both as a kicker and punter.  Look for Yanni to have a big spring and summer impressing college coaches nation wide.

Other 2014 Future Stars:  Eric Piccione, Grant Goebel and Kyle Pfau.

2015 Standouts
Andrew Galitz: Andrew had a coming out party in Dallas.  He was solid on field goals, kickoffs and punts.  He has a bright future with continued hard work.

Connor Crow: Crow had one of the strongest overall legs at the camp.  The young kicker showed outstanding potential on field goals and kickoffs.  I look forward to seeing what the future holds for Connor.

Other 2015 Future Stars:  Adam LaManque, Brooks Ralph, Collin Stack, Jon Coppens, Joshua Williams, Luke Beasley, and Ryan Rodriguez.

Chris Sailer Kicking will next visit Chicago IL, Charlotte NC, Atlanta GA and Los Angeles CA before wrapping Spring up with the 11th Annual National Kicking Spring Event in Las Vegas May 4-5.  For more stats, rankings, and information visit www.ChrisSailerKicking.com

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Meet the 2013 “TOP 12”

Chris Sailer Kicking – 2013 “TOP 12” Lists Announced

The 11th Annual National Kicking Event – Sponsored by Nike in Las Vegas, NV took pace January 19-20, 2013.  Nearly 500 specialists from across the nation and other countries participated in what is regarded by college coaches as the biggest exposure event in the world.  The best of the best from every state and other countries work year round for the opportunity to compete at the highest level in Las Vegas.  Making the “TOP 12” is the ultimate goal.

Before we announce this year’s “TOP 12”, take a look at the history of the “TOP 12” and one standout from each year since the Vegas camp was born in 2003 as the very first national exposure camp of its type.

2003 – Taylor Mehlhaff – Drafted in the 6th Round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints
2004 – Ryan Succop – Current Kansas City Chiefs Kicker (4 Year Starter)
2005 – Dan Bailey – Current Dallas Cowboys Kicker (2 Year Starter)
2006 – Kai Forbath – Current Washington Redskins Kicker
2007 – Bryan Anger – Current Jacksonville Jaguars Punter (Drafted int the 3rd Round)
2008 – Blair Walsh – Current Minnesota Vikings Kicker (NFL All-Pro as a Rookie)
2009 – Cody Parkey – Current Auburn Kicker.  Regarded as the #1 NFL Prospect coming into 2013 season
2010 – Andre Heidari – Current Kicker at USC.  Freshman All-American
2011 – Ross Martin – Current Duke Kicker.  Freshman All-American
2012 – Michael Geiger – Committed to Michigan State.  #1 Kicker in the Nation
2013 – ? (See Below)

2013 “TOP 12” Underclassmen (In Alphabetical Order)
Logan Cooke (2014 MS)
Corbin Daly (2014 NC)
Mick Ellis (2014 TX)
Rafael Gaglianone (2014 TN)
Cameron Gamble (2014 TX)
Freeman Jones (2014 NC)
Michael Knoll (2014 OH)
Hayden Lekacz (2014 IL)
Aaron Medley (2014 TN)
JK Scott (2014 CO)
Matt Stewart (2014 CA)
Gary Wunderlich (2014 TN)

2013 “TOP 12” Senior / Junior College / Transfer (In Alphabetical Order)
Joey Cejudo (JC CA)
Elliott Fry (2013 TX)
Andrew Gantz (2013 OH)
Diego Gonzales (2013 Mexico)
Ruben Guzman (JC CA)
Adrian Lamothe (2013 Mexico)
Nick Marsh (TR UT)
Manuel Meza (JC CA)
Nicholas O’Toole (JC CA)
Osborn Umeh (JC CA)
Cody Wicker (2013 TX)
Brent Zuzo (2013 MI)

What does the future hold for these talented athletes.  Where will they play in college?  Will they play in the NFL?  Time will tell.

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11th Annual National Kicking Camp; Snapping Event

On January 19th and 20th of 2013 the 11th Annual National Kicking & Snapping Event will be held at Faith Lutheran High School in Las Vegas. Participants should be sure to arrive on Friday, January 18, 2013 and plan to stay until Sunday night, January 20, 2013. This is a two day event that ecompasses kicking and punting camps, as well as long snapping camps and is offically called The Chris Sailer Kicking and Rubio Long Snapping January National Kicking and Snapping Event. This Vegas event can be attended by long snappers, place kickers and punter. You must compete in this event to give yourself a shot at the Top 12 Camp, which is a camp that can only be attended by people who are invited.

Whoever wins at this camp will get a chance to attend either the Rubio Long Snapping Camp or the Chris Sailor Kicking Camp at no charge. If someone is a punter, long snapper or place kicker, and is in at least the eighth grade, they can enter the competition. This camp event is designed for students who play football and want to play at a higher level than they are currently playing at. The first day of this event involves training on how to play football. On the second day, competitions are held and finalists are announced.

Event participants are responsible for performing all necessary stretching and warming up before event activities begin for the day. These kicking camps are a valuable experience for any student serious about playing football.

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