Staff and Camp Counselors

The NKS staff members are all dedicated coaches or former pros throughly trained in scientifically researched kicking techniques.Their dedication and love of kicking, punting, or long snapping make them excellent role models for our campers. Players in all age groups receive the very best in personal instruction.

	Gene Muriaty NKS Director Gene Muriaty has dedicated himself to kicking and working with kickers for more than 20 years. This has included countless hours practicing on the field as well as working with thousands of kickers from youth leagues to the professional level across the U.S. His professional experience includes the Washington Redskins, Denver Broncos, and New England Patriots. Initially in his career, he attended a number of kicking camps and subsequently served at various camps as a counselor. Believing much more could be accomplished in the art, he involved himself deeply in kicking research. Coach Muriaty has seen and heard it all...the conflicting theories, myths and misconceptions from high school coaches to some NFL special team coaches. It appeared that many contradicted one another and had difficulty substantiating their concepts. In order to comprehend the skill of kicking more thoroughly, Coach Muriaty brought all acquired knowledge to the Biomechanics Laboratory in search of some definitive answers. With this technical background and his experience in the field, he developed a no-nonsense teaching system that is unchallenged. Long Snappers benefit from his identical scientific and passionate approach in the skill. Email: Phone: 781-837-4963
	Jim Power NKS West Coast Director Jim Power's successful career as a placekicker is a model of perserverance and dedication -- qualities he relates to all the young kickers that he works with. Jim attended Palos Verdes High School where he played soccer under Coach Bill King before making the change to football at Sacramento State University. Jim's professional experience includes: NFL - L.A. Raiders, N.Y. Jets, L.A. Rams, Houston Oilers; USFL - L.A. Express, Portland Breakers; World League - London Monarchs; Arena League - Charlotte Rage. Jim now coaches placekickers and punters year round giving our West Coast players an invaluable resource.
Bob is a United States Marine veteran.	Bob Baker NKS Senior Staff Member Bob has coached many top kickers and punters in the professional and collegiate ranks as well as high school and youth players for the past 25 years. He has been a consultant to NFL teams such as the N.Y. Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, San Diego Chargers, Denver Broncos, Jacksonville Jaguars, and numerous major college programs. An NFL scout once termed Bob, "One of the best kicking coaches, ever. Period." Bob is available for private instruction in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area. Phone: 732-270-4665
	Aaron Bartolain Coach Bartolain has been on the football coaching staff at McDaniel College since 2002. Aaron is the offensive coordinator for the Green Terror and has also served as the special teams coordinator and running backs coach. He is a certified strength and conditioning coach and directs McDaniel’s training regimen. Florida All State linebacker at Sarasota’s Riverview High School and All American linebacker while attending McDaniel College where he earned his degree in physics. Aaron is one of NKS’s most experienced kicking, punting, and long snapping coaches.
	Xavier Beitia Florida State University. All American, All Atlantic Coast Conference. Lou Groza Nominee 2001, 2003, 2003, 2004. Out of Tampa's Jesuit High School, Xavier was one of the best kickers in the state of Florida. Known for his mental toughness and resilience, he is one of the most dedicated and hardest working kickers in football. Xavier signed with the New York Jets in 2005 and Tampa Bay Bucs in 2006. Outstanding 2006 NFL Europe season. Arena Football League 2007, 2008.
	Brian Bicher Former All American punter from Ithaca College. Brian was a pro prospect seriously looked at by the San Diego Chargers, New York Giants, and Buffalo Bills. Impeccable form. Absolutely one of the top punting instructors in the USA.
	Tom Bishop Tom was an All Colonial Conference punter at the University of New Hampshire. Also an accomplished placekicker. Tryout with the New England Patriots. Tom is part of the NKS Nationwide Network of experts conducting regional placekicking and punting clinics and private instruction. In the Minneapolis area contact Tom at 603-969-6464. Phone: 603-969-6464
	Ryan Burkhart University of Notre Dame. Kickoff specialist for Notre Dame's nation leading kickoff coverage team in 2008. Also an accomplished placekicker and punter. Ryan was the only kicker on the Indiana State Football Coaches Association Top 50 All State Team while attending Northwood High School. His placekicking and punting was an integral part of Northwood's 2005 state title. Associated Press Indiana All State selection as a junior….hit two 49 yard field goals in one game that season.
	Ryan Cain King's College, Pennsylvania graduate. No one has worked harder to achieve their potential in the skill of placekicking than Ryan Cain. He is an authority on all of the specialized drills performed with and without the football that enable young kickers to reach heights they may not have thought possible. Ryan's near flawless form propelled him to lead King's College in scoring his senior year and he didn't stop there. Ryan's stellar performance at several professional tryouts has led him onto the playing field of the Indoor Football League.
	Brendan Carney Syracuse University graduate. Second Team All Big East punter. Coming out of Syracuse, Brendan signed with the Baltimore Ravens. Brendan's high school kicking coach at Malvern Prep (PA.) was NKS senior staff member Jeff Dinnocenti.
	Sean Cheevers NKS California Director Sean Cheevers is one of the very few coaches that possess a comprehensive understanding of Sports Biomechanics applied to kicking the football. His ability to relate this knowledge to players of all ages and abilities is extraordinary. He is easy and fun to work with. Sean played under George Allen at Long Beach State University where he was named to the Big West All Conference Team. Professionally he has played in the NFL as well as the Arena and Canadian Football Leagues. He has been the very successful special teams coach at both Moorpark College and College of the Canyons. All of Sean's players have gone on to successful college playing careers. Contact Sean about his clinics and private sessions in California at 805-300-6803 or . Email: Phone: 805-300-6803
	Jared Davis Temple University graduate. Four time Academic All American. Rhode Island All State Kicker. Jared has been with NKS since his freshman year in high school and is one of NKS's most experienced staff members. Jared now resides in Charleston, South Carolina where his coaching expertise is in great demand. To schedule a private session with Jared call 601-709-7333. Phone: 601-709-7333
	Jeff Dinnocenti Renown kicking coach from southeastern Pennsylvania. When Jeff's promising career was cut short by injury, there was no doubt what he was going to do... help other kickers. A navy veteran and consummate professional, his enthusiasm for kicking and special teams is legendary and uplifting to all around him. Many of Jeff's students have gone on to play major college football. A major contributor to the NKS Summer Instructional Camps Program, Jeff is the former kicking coach for I-AA powerhouse Lehigh University. For clinics and private instruction: 484-880-8915 or . Email: Phone: 484-880-8915
	Jonathan Dudley Jonathan was an All Southern Conference placekicker for I-AA power Georgia Southern University. With a "cannon" of a leg, he is currently playing Minor League football and being watched by a number of NFL teams. Jonathan resides in Jacksonville, Florida and works with placekickers and punters of all ages and abilities. To set something up with him call 404-295-3619. Phone: 404-295-3619
	Evan Fischer Camp Counselor Michigan All State High School phenom. Powerful and deadly accurate. Now playing for the Michigan State Spartans.
	Ken Hensley Florida Director Assistant Coach from kicking savvy Boone High School in Orlando, Florida, Ken has been instrumental in developing collegiate placekickers and punters for some time. He is an invaluable asset to Coach Muriaty at the summer instructional camps as well as the Spring Training for Kickers program in Orlando. Strong on discipline, Ken is an expert instructor in all skills: placekicking, punting, and long snapping. His keen analytical eye on the field and at videotape analysis sessions as well as intuitive knowledge into sports psychology is a huge asset to NKS. Contact Ken for private instruction in Florida at 407-341-0856 or . Email: Phone: 407-341-0856
	Austin Herbert Out of North Carolina State University. One of the select few players at the Division 1-A level that has handled both placekicking and punting duties simultaneously. ACC Academic Honor Roll Student. All State at Carey High School with 37 career field goals.
	Michael Hughes Three time All American from San Diego State University. Michael's career at SDSU was inspiring. His junior year punting average was 44.2 yards and earned MWC Special Teams Player of the Week twice. Well known for his fresh and innovative teaching approach, his ability to immediately establish rapport with players enables Michael to achieve results quickly.
	Todd Jagoutz University of Maine graduate. Boston Sportswriters All New England selection punter. First Team All Atlantic 10 Punter, Second Team Placekicker. Todd still holds many kicking and punting records at UMAINE. He has been with NKS since 8th grade before starring at Duxbury High School in Massachusetts. Todd now resides in Portland, Maine and continues to conduct clinics and private instruction. To schedule a session with Todd call him at 207-423-0278 or email . Email: Phone: 207-423-0278
	Jon Lawhorn NKS staff member and Website Director. University of Central Florida honor roll graduate. As a student at UCF, Jon frequented the football office often seeking a tryout. His unyielding persistence finally paid off. At the tryout Jon exhibited his mettle and talent. He was invited to join the team. Jon also was the starting punter and kicker for two years for the Orange County Falcons, a semi-pro football team in Orlando, Florida. Jon first came to NKS as a high school junior. He now works with many of our Florida players throughout the year providing them with his expertise and motivation. Jon is available for private instruction in Florida. Contact Jon at 954-234-3192 or . Email: Phone: 954-234-3192
	Rob Long Syracuse University. All American Freshman Punter. 2009 and 2010 All Big East pick. Rob is known for his five seconds plus hang times and kickoffs into and through the endzone. A highly touted NFL prospect, Rob hails from Downingtown, PA. and has trained extensively with NKS senior staff member Jeff Dinnocenti since high school. His teaching prowess and grasp of biomechanics are incomparable. Rob has been with NKS since his freshman year at Downingtown West High School in Pennsylvania.
	Felipe Macias Outstanding kicker out of Eastern Washington University. Felipe played at Moorpark Junior College where NKS staff member Sean Cheevers was his kicking coach. Earned All Western States Conference honors. He attended Channel Island High School and was named to the All California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section District VI Team. Felipe made 24 career field goals, setting a Ventura County record.
	Paul McCord NFL Consultant. One of the top special teams and kicking coaches in all of football. Paul earned a Super Bowl ring from his work with the Baltimore Ravens as a special assistant. His impressive resume includes special teams coach at Hofstra University and Western Maryland College (now called McDaniel College). Author of "101 Special Teams Drills". Paul's considerable experience and gifted insight into all phases of the kicking game are of inestimable value to NKS and our players.
	Mort Nash Senior Marketing Consultant Mort Nash brings a wealth of marketing experience and expertise to National Kickng Service. A native New Yorker and World War II veteran, his impressive business resume includes Regional Sales Manager at Litton Industries and U.S. Sales Manager, Commercial Microwave Division, for Sharp. Mort's insight enables NKS to get the word out about our many programs to all ages in the U.S. and around the world.
	Rafael O'Campo A veteran California staff member. Rafael played collegiately at the University of San Diego. His years of experience and technical expertise is a tremendous asset to the NKS West Coast Program. In additional to his coaching talents, Rafael is an expert in the field of human motivation.
	Joe O'Donnell University of Maryland graduate. 2nd Team All ACC kicker. Outstanding career in NFL Europe and the Arena Football League. Impressive stints with the Oakland Raiders and Chicago Bears. Joe now works with kickers in the Birmingham, Alabama area. For information call 205-789-9594 or email . Email: Phone: 205-789-9594
	Matt Prater Veteran placekicker for the Denver Broncos. Matt has certainly joined the elite of the NFL with his phenomenal power and accuracy. Although primarily known for his placekicking prowess, Matt made famous his "rugby punt" at the University of Central Florida where he led the nation with a lofty 47.95 yard average. NKS campers have always appreciated Matt's down to earth style and regard for every player he's worked with. Matt has been with NKS since his junior year at Estero High School in Florida.
	Bobby Prichard Special teams wizard from Maryland scholastic power Urbana High School. Coach Prichard holds as a truism that special teams are not just a "necessary evil" and should be utilized as a weapon. Intelligence and aggressiveness are his signature and has brought him accolades throughout the USA while placing his services in demand. While Bobby's expertise into the biomechanics of placekicking and punting are evident, he is lauded by players and coaches as one of the top long snapping coaches anywhere. For private instruction in the Maryland area call 301-788-2701 or email . Email: Phone: 301-788-2701
	Eric Pruitt Senior Staff Member Senior staff member from Orlando, Florida. Eric is very much cut from the same mold as NKS's most senior staff member, the legendary, Bob Baker with the ability to break the kick and punt down in a simple deliberate fashion...communicating with the athlete in a manner enabling total insight into the skill while instilling new found confidence and enthusiasm. Eric's son, Josh, a former standout at Boone High School (Orlando), is the exceptional placekicker and punter at McKendree University in Illinois. Coach Pruitt is available for private instruction in the Orlando area year round. Email: Phone: 407-375-7845
	Kevin Quicker North Carolina Wesleyan. Always a high level soccer player, Kevin played his first football game sophomore year of college. The change in sports has evidently worked out well. Kevin is now an All American Punter as well as a second team All Conference Placekicker. Performing both skills at such a high level these days has become rare. Interestingly, Kevin feels he is a better placekicker than punter at this time. He is now regarded as a bona fide professional prospect. Kevin was born and raised in Potomac, Maryland.
	Ryan Quigley Camp Counselor Boston College graduate. Impressive 2012 Chicago Bears training camp. Four year starter and KO specialist at BC. While Ryan is known for his "cannon" of a leg, he was among the best in the nation at pinning the opponent deep in their own territory with his directional accuracy and hangtime. Ryan hails from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina where he was a three time all state punter.
	Jeff Reed Spent nine years as the powerful and clutch placekicker for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jeff's career 82% FG success is extraordinary especially when one considers his home stadium….Heinz Field, notoriously the toughest kicking stadium in the NFL with its swirling winds and inconsistent playing surface. His 16-18 FG playoff record speaks for itself and places Jeff in the company of the most accomplished NFL kickers of all time. At the NKS camps, Jeff is known for his personal attention with all the players he works with. Jeff has been with NKS since his junior year at East Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, North Carolina.
	Dana Roach Twenty four years experience coaching kickers and special teams from Long Beach City College, where he also played collegiately, to Long Beach State University and the University of Cincinnati. Dana's passion to "go the extra yard" to help all players...beginners and veterans alike ...is appreciated by everyone. He is currently the kicking coach at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, California.
	Paul Schmidt Staff member with NKS since 1992. Paul initially trained extensively with Bob Baker. His impressive career in football includes: Rowan University placekicker, signing with Baltimore Ravens, Portland Forest Dragons (Arena Football League), Nine years playing semi pro football, 2007 Semi Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, owner of his own semi pro team, etc. Today, Paul owns and operates New Jersey Collegiate Prospects, a recruiting firm that assists high school athletes seeking college athletic careers.
	David Scully Camp Counselor Georgia Tech. Resilient and powerful Yellow Jacket placekicker has fought back from injuries.
	Jeremy Shelley University of Alabama. Member of three National Championship teams for the Crimson Tide. 2011 National Championship Game MVP with a record five FG's. Lou Groza semi-finalist 2011 and 2012. 2012 Vlade Award for the nation's most accurate kicker.
	Brad Walters Former NFL Detriot Lions lineman and long snapper. Master long snapping coach. Brad's imposing physical presence belies his athleticism and touch when handling the football. His easy going manner and direct approach draws raves from campers. Brad's expertise extends to the skills of placekicking and punting, as well.
	Ben Willard Gritty standout punter out of Shenandoah University. Ben is cut from the same mold as NKS West Coast Director Jim Power...excelling at every level...continually improving his considerable skill...and persevering through the challenging professional free agent process. Ben is currently on the "Hot List" of several NFL teams. 14 years with NKS. Kickers and punters working with Ben call him not only one of the most knowledgeable instructors, but also one of the most fun to work with. Ben is also a pro level personal trainer and nutrition expert. For great instruction in South Florida contact Ben at 540-327-7699 or email at . Email: Phone: 540-327-7699
	Jay Wooten Indomitable kicker out of the University of South Carolina. Carolina Panthers Mini-Camp 2012. One of the great NKS stories. Jay was only 10 years old when he first attended an NKS summer camp. He developed into one of the most heralded kickers in the USA at Scotland County High School (N.C.) as well as earning All State honors. Jay's size and power make him a genuine NFL prospect. Jay was a member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll.
	Philip Yost Philip played collegiately at Auburn University. Alabama All State High School placekicker and an accomplished punter. As a young NKS high school camper, Philip won every camp competition he entered….kicking off the ground!
	Stan Zylinski "Ski" hails from Cardinal Spellman High School in the Bronx and handled both the placekicking and punting duties for I-AA University at Albany (NY)...A notable achievement in itself. His fierce competitiveness and almost maniacal work ethic is balanced by his unique sense of humor and perspective. Ski entered the NKS program as a high school freshman.