My last blog looked at my preparation for the Kohl’s Underclassman Challenge in Orlando, Florida January 6 through the 7th. I had an amazing time and showed well. The traveling to Orlando was fun except for one thing that happens a lot to me. I was detained by TSA airport security again for having my kicking sticks in my bag. They think I’m always carrying a weapon and I find myself explaining that I am a kicker and those are part of my equipment.
The first day of the Underclassman Challenge was rough. The conditions were very windy with cross winds and the field goal charts were a bit longer than normal. We were required to have 5 kicks from 45 yards and 5 kicks from 56 yards. This was also a new experience for me, because it was the first camp that I have ever kicked off the ground. Prior to this event, I was using a ½ inch tee. The night competition under the lights was really fun. I was the only 2020 kicker left standing in the FG competition hitting from 56 yards, then I hit the crossbar at 58 and was out. Later I made it to the Top the 10 in the punt competition and again was the last in my class still in the mix.
The 2nd day was my best. I absolutely crushed it. My kickoff average was 74 yards with a 3.60 hang and my punt average was 48 yards and a 4.01 hang. My field goals also were much better too as I was striking it a lot cleaner after the drill work session.
Following this camp I am pleased to say that I am ranked #6 in kicking and #5 in punting in the nation for the class of 2020. I am most proud of the fact that Kohl’s has also rated me a 5-star kicker. That is a huge accomplishment.
Photo courtesy of Joe McInerney
by Parker Lewis
Follow on Twitter @ParkerLewi
Editor’s Note: Parker Lewis is a Class of 2020 Kicker/Punter at Saguaro High School in Arizona. Kohl’s Kicking Camps has him listed as a 5-star K/P.
