Good Morning Coach Rafter,
I just wanted to thank you for the past weekend, there are no words that I have to truly express how your June Adidas/Rafter Pro Training camp helped and changed Tyler! He is even more motivated than before and he truly learned so much! You are a true inspiration to your students and as a parent, that means so much! You are not only making them into better players, you are making them better people which will help them go so far in life! Thank you again!
We are very excited about how Tyler did over the weekend!
Thank you! Please let me know if I can fill out or do any testimonials for you...it would be the least I could do for all you have and will do for Tyler!
You have made my day...week...month..and year!!! Thank you so very much! You are wonderful! Again, you have no idea what an inspiration and a true God-send you have been to our family! Thank you for taking care of our son!
Again, thank you for all your hard work and dedication to these boys, the difference you make is truly amazing!
Have a great day,
Debbie Tucker
Robert Malone
"Congratulations on signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars on April 24, 2010!"
"Thanks Jimmy! Ya if it wasn't for the camp, this very well might not have happened! Thanks for everything!"
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FROM DAVID BUEHLER, KICKER FOR THE DALLAS COWBOYS AND RAFTER PRO TRAINING'S FIRST STUDENT TO GO THROUGH OUR SERVICES AND EVENTS, THROUGH KICKING THEN AT USC, BEING DRAFTED IN THE 5TH ROUND AND BREAKING RECORDS AS A ROOKIE IN HIS 1ST NFL SEASON WITH THE COWBOYS.
Jimmy,
Hey man!
Great to catch up with you. Dallas is treating me well and I did break a lot of kickoff records as a rookie. It's wild; it all started with you at Glendale CC in 2006! Thanks for everything. I look forward to working and demo-ing at your future events when time permits. Keep in touch, man.
See ya.
David Buehler , Kicker #18, Dallas Cowboys
FROM, NOW CLEMSON KICKER, CHANDLER CATANZARO)
Dear Coach Rafter,
I just wanted to send you a note to tell you how much I appreciate all you have done for me. You are a huge part of the success I have had in kicking, both with the training you have give me, and the promotion. I really appreciate all of your advice and encouragement. I will never forget your efforts on my behalf. I look forward to ramping up my training with you again this summer, and preparing to make an impact at my 2nd year in Clemson.
Sincerely,
Chandler Catanzaro
(from The Malones: Robert is ranked to be the 1st Punter Drafted in the 2010 NFL Draft
from the NFL Combine in February of 2010)
Dear Coach Rafter,
We want to thank you very much for the opportunity to be involved with your program and your efforts in helping Robert be successful with his punting. The Classic, training and special Punter's Camp allowed Robert to receive exposure to college recruiters and your relationship with coaches and especially at Fresno State opened the door for him to get a full scholarship! After a great NCAA career, we are blessed for the upcoming draft and have high hopes.
Thank you again!
Dave and Kathy Malone
Dear Jimmy,
I want to thank you for everything that you have done for me. You saw kicking talent in me when no one else did. You gave me confidence and motivation to get better each and every week. There wasn't one time were you weren't honest with me. When I had to get better at a certain aspect, you told me, when I was doing well you told me, I was doing well. You taught me that the sky is the limit.
You did not just make me a better kicker, but most importantly a better person.
And I appreciate all the hard work, effort and energy that you have put in me.
Sincerely,
Nico Grasu, Crespi High School of Encino, CA
Starting Kicker for Washington State University (PAC 10)
Hi Jimmy,
As a spectator, I want to tell you that I was so impressed with the Kicking Combine. It was very challenging and impressive. Although James has been injured for the past few months, and only able to kick occasionally, I think he did okay. It was an eye opening experience for him and now he sees where he needs to go to be successful.
Thanks for all the work you put into the competition and the positive influence you are on these young men. Even if James never kicks at the DIA level, this has been a positive experience for him.
Sincerely,
Cathy Brooks
Jimmy,
I am about to burst to email you but was leery about doing so because James wants to tell you himself---
James will be starting the first game! He told me that he felt like a million dollars after working with you but has so much more work to do to hang on to the starting position.
Just thought you would like to know. Thanks for all you've done, Your encouragement and dedication have meant a lot to him and to us. We will see you Sat. at 12:00.
Sincerely,
Cathy Brooks
From Mark, Debbie and NC State Punter, Chris Ward, formerly of Starr's Mill High School:
Dear Jimmy,
I wanted to drop you a quick note to thank you for the time, patience and encouragement you have provided Chris. Every parent wants their child to do well; some even take credit in their development. This will never be the case with Chris’s punting; I have rarely (if ever) been able to get my foot past my waist, so the credit is all yours.
I can say one thing for certain; Chris, his Mom or I will not soon forget that one punt at the Georgia Dome last Saturday. Thanks again for a great memory.
Over the past few days Debbie and have been discussing the overall impact you have had on Chris. We both understand there is still work left to be done, however Chris would not be in the position he is in today without your efforts. The physical and fundamental aspects of the kicking process can be taught by dozens. The intangible value you provided Chris was the mental preparation, technical expertise and positive influence as a mentor and coach. Each of these factors played a huge role in the success Chris has had to date.
.....Just wanted to send a quick note to let you know how much we enjoyed the Classic. It was a well-run, organized competition. I hope to speak with you later in the week to give you a few more observations and ask you some questions.
…..EXCELLENT! EXCELLENT! You did such a great job on the video. I am thrilled! Can't wait for Chris and Mark to see it.
I will have Chris talk to you about scheduling the private lessons.
WOW! Thanks again!
Once again, thanks again for everything with Chris. He was so excited after yesterday's lesson and appears to be prepared and confident for the next 10 days. We will want to schedule a couple of lessons the week of June 16 since he will be home that week and then going to Maryland and NC State on June 23 and 24. And then maybe one lesson before he goes to Michigan on June 29/30.
I know that Chris, Debbie and I have expressed our sincere appreciation many times. At the same time we recognize the job is not finished. We will need your continued support and training long after the season ends. While no plans have been made to this point, our family would be honored to have you attend and participate at the official signing ceremony in February. We will keep you informed as those plans are made.
So in a nutshell, the Wards once again thank you for everything.
Mark, Debbie & Chris Ward
Recruiting networks rarely devote much time or energy to covering punters but at least one publication devoted to the position named recent NC State commit Chris Ward from Starr’s Mill High School in Fayetteville, Ga the top punter prospect in the nation. Rafter Pro Training declared Ward as their top punter for the class of 2009 and after watching him in action it would be difficult to disagree. The rising senior hit the ball consistently throughout his workout at NC State supervised by Wolfpack special team’s coach Jerry Petercuskie.
| Dear Jimmy, Debbie and I want you to know how much we appreciate all your excellent work in training Sam and what you have accomplished with him in a very short time. Your knowledge and coaching skills are a positive influence on Sam, both on and off the field. Your training is what bolted Sam to the position he is in now and to have the luxury of signing with a National College Football program at Appalachian State University. The scouting film that was produced by Rafter Productions generated calls from Appalachian State, UGA, Michigan, Arkansas, Kentucky and Auburn, with UGA fighting to get Sam to camp as a Preferred walk-on down to the last minute on signing day, February 6th. College recruiting coaches have relayed to us that it is by far the best kicker film they have ever seen. We are extremely grateful for all your efforts and thankful that Sam had the good fortune of crossing paths in life with you when he did. My wife and I will be the first in line to recommend you as a football kicking coach and trainer. Please feel free to use this letter as a testimonial to your outstanding work and dedication in the game of football. Sincerely, Tom and Debbie Martin |
Sam Martin is the # 1 Rafter Pro Training Instructor with Jimmy, RS-Freshman Punter/Kicker of the Year in the SoCon as Sam set records punting and kicking for Appalachian State University already. (My top NFL prospect in the years to come!) |
If you wish to contact any references please contact us. (770) 296-3551 Dear Jimmy, Hey Jimmy,
Dear Jimmy,
Thank you so much for all you have done for Shaun as I am happy to tell you he won the job and is doing well punting for Mars Hill College as a true freshman!
Your video really helped. We sent the video to Mars Hill and they called within 3 days wanting him out for a tryout. We had a couple of nibbles from a couple of D1 schools, but his grades really hurt him, plus all of the D1 schools were going to practice squad him. Mars Hill let him have a shot at starting and he won the job when he played against Gardner Webb. He remembered the advice you gave him his first year with you about having a spot as a opposed to the bench. He chose D2 because he knew after being out there with you he could win a spot. Shaun has said many times that the best thing he ever did was continue on during that ice storm at your rare, crazy "Frozen Georgia Classic of 2008!". Whenever he has a tough spot to make, he just remembers that weekend and says, heck, it's not as bad as that was and I kicked well there. In fact he used that when he broke his HS record in the rain that day. Don't think he will break any punt records here though. Punt record was set in 1971 at 80 yards! Funny you wrote, we just talked about you yesterday. He wanted me to get with you about a couple of lessons, cost, if you would be available sometime after the season. You have been a real blessing to us and to Shaun especially. I mean this when I say, we would not be here if it were not for you and the advice you have given Shaun. The video is something we will always cherish, and believe me, we are already getting film for his next step. It may be a couple of years away, and a million to one shot, but like you said to us before, you don't win if you don't try.
Thanks for everything and talk to you soon. Hope all is well with you and yours.
Sincerely,
Steve & Shaun Tant
Steve,
Thank you very much! What a great email. I am proud of Shaun and all he has accomplished and would love to work with him again. Just let me know when and where and we will "Get it Done!'...haha..."Classic" quote...pun intended! It was great to hear from you. Would you mind if I showed your letter above on our website?
Talk to you real soon,
Jimmy
By all means, post it. I'll let Shaun know about your availability. Thank you so much for everything! The power behind your program and your videos are what really needs to seen by others!
Steve
Thank you for the hundreds of cards and emails from athletes, parents, and coaches. Unfortunately we aren't able to list all of them here. We have included a handful of the thank you notes we have received.
We appreciate the kind words of gratitude.
Congratulations on a successful event. The kids did well despite the snow and cold. The environment and setup was pressure packed which will be good for college coaches to consider. Jimmy has shown persistence and success in his path of tryouts and I think that will carry over to his students."
Matt Bryant # 3
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Kicker
Coach Rafter,
I just wanted to thank you for all that you have done for me the past 3 months. All the coaches talk about how well the film was put together.
Thank you for everything.
Tyler Morgan
Jimmy,
Just wanted to thank you for the great work you did with Kevin's highlight video. We were very impressed with the professionalism and quality of the tape. We sent you a compilation of raw film and you were able to condense it and create something that should be on Sports Center (or with it being that time of year, maybe The Oscars). We've already sent copies and are anxious to hear the comments from the coaches. I'm sure they'll be impressed. Thanks again!
Jay Harper
Thanks so much for the great job you did with Chas’s highlight film. You and Meredith are to be commended for the time and effort that you spent on his tape. I certainly feel that adding the achievements was a great addition to the film. I was most impressed with the individual filming that you did of Chas. The angle shots and the slow motion effect was a great way to showcase his technique. As you know, Chas received a kicking scholarship and signed with Furman University last week! We would like to thank you once again for all of your help.
Sincerely,
David & Angie Short
We just wanted to drop you a line to say we are glad we were able to get to you before ESPN. The highlight video you made for Christian is OUTSTANDING!!!!!!!, to say the least. We felt like we were watching Sportscenter. You have been a great inspiration, devoted supporter and awesome trainer for our son and we are very grateful for the timeless hours you put into the video. We feel that it is good enough to get mega-offers.
Thanks again,
Robbie, Debby, & Christian Reed
Hi Jimmy,
Thank you again for the outstanding job you did on Ryan’s long snapping film. Your film, with its level of professionalism and detail, provided the key to opening numerous opportunities for Ryan at the college level of play. Your Annual Southern Kicking Classic competition and contacts in the industry helped Ryan tremendously in promoting his long snapping abilities nationally.
After sending your film to a number of schools; Kent State, Duke, and others immediately dispatched their special teams coach to Georgia to talk with Ryan.
This Wednesday, national signing day, Ryan will sign his Letter of Intent with Kent State University!!!!
Thank you Jimmy!!!!!!!
Frank, Mary, and Ryan Hidalgo
Dear Jimmy,
Debbie and I want you to know how much we appreciate all your excellent work in training Sam and what you have accomplished with him in a very short time. Your knowledge and coaching skills are a positive influence on Sam, both on and off the field. Your training is what bolted Sam to the position he is in now and to have the luxury of signing with a National College Football program at Appalachian State University. The scouting film that was produced by Rafter Productions generated calls from Appalachian State, UGA, Michigan, Arkansas, Kentucky and Auburn, with UGA fighting to get Sam to camp as a Preferred walk-on down to the last minute on signing day, February 6th. College recruiting coaches have relayed to us that it is by far the best kicker film they have ever seen.
We are extremely grateful for all your efforts and thankful that Sam had the good fortune of crossing paths in life with you when he did. My wife and I will be the first in line to recommend you as a football kicking coach and trainer. Please feel free to use this letter as a testimonial to your outstanding work and dedication in the game of football.
Sincerely,
Tom and Debbie Martin
Coach Rafter,
I wanted to thank you for all you have done for our program and our recruiting needs. I really appreciate all of your help.
Your reputation around the country is outstanding and is great down here in the south as well. If anyone ever asks me about you, I will have nothing but great things to say. I would highly recommend you to anyone and if you ever need anything, please let me know immediately.
We are definitely signing a scholarship kicker/punter out of the class of 2009 and will come to your program exclusively to find our athletes for this and in the future. Congratulations on the success level you have achieved with so many athletes in your first four years. Keep up the good work and I look forward to talking with you again soon.”
…NCAA Special Teams Coach for a Huge DIA College in the South
Dear Jimmy,
I want to thank you for everything that you have done for me. You saw kicking talent in me when no one did. You gave me confidence and motivation to get better each and every week. There wasn't one time were you weren't honest with me. When I had to get better at a certain aspect you told me, when I was doing well you told me, I was doing well. You taught me that the sky is the limit. You did not just make me a better kicker, but most importantly a better person. And I appreciate all the hard work, effort and energy that you have put in me.
Nico Grasu, Crespi High School of Encino, CA
Dear Jimmy,
We want to thank you for the awesome job you and Meredith did with Anthony's kicking highlight film. Everyone who has seen it has complimented you for producing such a professional and impressive DVD. We are thrilled to see Anthony's kicking abilities showcased so well by Rafter Pro Training, and I would highly recommend you to anyone. We are also very grateful for having a college recruitment consulting session with you a few months ago. Your outlined recruitment guide and your sound advice has helped us embark on the recruitment process with more confidence and useful knowledge.
We also want to thank you for working with Anthony over the last year. Your instruction, honesty, and guidance have improved his kicking and punting skills and given him even more confidence to succeed on the field as well as in competitions- as he did in the Best Kicker in LA competition you sponsored this year. We look forward to a continued relationship with Rafter Pro Training......
Sincerely,
Anthony & Lucy Leonardi- 2007- Newbury Park High School
Dear Jimmy,
We have been pleased with the training and competition that have been provided for our son Pat through Rafter Pro Training. Through some of our college visits, we realized the importance of having a source of media for the schools to objectively view Pat's kicking. We were exceptionally pleased with the DVD you produced of Pat because it gave several different aspects of his kicking. You filmed Pat from several different angles on kickoffs and with continual footage when kicking field goals You also did a great job incorporating his game footage into the DVD. Overall thanks for your hard work and a great product.
Debbie and Sandy Simmons, LaGrange, GA
I loved your event this weekend and I look forward to it again next year. Allen loved it, he wished he would have proformed better but it was just a learning experience for him or at lest that is the way he was looking at it. Thank you for the opportunity.
Mike Owens
Dear Mr. Rafter (Jimmy :)
We wanted to drop you a quick email to tell you THANK YOU VERY MUCH for all the hard work and endless hours you put in to help the competition take place this past weekend. This was some very good experience for our son, Sean Piwarski and my husband was able to get some invaluable film. When we've sent highlight film of Sean long snapping at his high school football games the snaps were only from 12 yards. The snaps this weekend were 15 yard snaps and there was a lot of repetitive snapping, which looks great on the film. This, along with his name being announced numerous times also sounds good on the film, and FINALLY (this is one of the best parts ;) when they all came to the side lines to hear the winners' names and you were also announcing the "...top 5 lonsnappers" in L.A., etc. well, this will also be great on film too!!! Seriously, though, Jimmy THANK YOU and your wonderful wife for all that you do for these players.
Thank you again for all you do, Jimmy and Meredith!! It's almost time for the baby!!! I know you must be so very excited!!!! God Bless You and have a wonderful Christmas and New Year's Holiday!!!!
Very truly yours,
The PIWARSKI Family-(Sean Piwarski's parents)
Thanks for checking on Sean Piwarski, Jimmy and thank you also for EVERYTHING you did to help Sean out. I can assure you that Sean's success is largely due to his self-motivation, discipline and the help that YOUR camps and your instruction gave him. I mean, you don't become one of the TOP 10 LONGSNAPPERS in L.A. (in Sean's case the TOP 3) without help from Jimmy Rafter Pro Training!!!
Write back and we look forward to hearing from you!!!!
Tim and Rose Piwarski- (Sean's Parents)
Dear Jimmy,
On behalf of David, Sean and myself, we would like to sincerely thank you for all your time and effort in promoting Sean. He is very happy with his choice of WNMU and looks forward to making a real difference in their kicking game. Thank you for believing in Sean, we certainly believe in you!
Sincerely,
Yvette Sehnem
Mr. Rafter,
I wanted to extend my thanks to you and your staff. My son, Benjamin Weber, is a high school sophomore who attended your camp in Chino today. My wife and I watched most of the session, and we were both very impressed with your entire team of trainers. The real payoff, however, was shown in my son's response to the day's instruction. He was incredibly excited about what he had learned and newly motivated to continue his workout schedule and integrate the things you and your staff showed him today. He claims to have instantly added five yards to his kickoff distance and gained accuracy on his field goals. Additionally, your offer to respond to further questions should they arise was appreciated.
My son has a dream to kick in college. Whether or not he is able to make his dream become reality depends in part on how much he can learn from professionals like yourself. The camp would be a bargain at twice the price, and I thank you.
Sincerely,
Leonard Weber
Jimmy,
Thanks again for helping us out this past summer. As you might have heard, we beat our crosstown rivals this past Friday, with a last minute field goal. They have dominated our league and had beaten us 13 straight years... Your expertise in place-kicking and ability to build confidence in our kicker, Paul Zuber, played a huge part in his success. Paul kicked a 31-yard FG with 4 seconds left to win it!!! Incidently, Paul had the same opportunity last year, from 21 yards out and had his kick blocked! I wish we knew about your kicking lessons earlier..
Thanks again,
Jerry Chou- Eagle Rock HS Head Football Coach
Jimmy,
Thank you for helping with our kickers. It’s been a great time – you’re professionalism is applauded – looking forward to the future-
Coach Rich Wheeler, 04- La Canada Head Football Coach
Thanks for a successful season.
Hey Coach,
I wanted to thank you for all the work you have put in for me this year all the way from spring to our last CIF game. My kicking has improved tremendously since my first kick. Your one on one personal attention really made me feel comfortable and made me want to work hard to improve my abilities. I thank you for your time and teaching and hopefully can use you some more to get recruited to a University. I definately want to keep in touch to start my college career. Thank so much again and I look forward to working with you even more.
Chris
Dear Jimmy,
My wife and I want to express our gratitude for the wonderful experience we had and our son during the "Best Kicker in LA" competition. Its obvious the hard work that you and your wife put into it. The preparation of this great competition was second to none. We Especially want to thank you for the special attention you gave our son Durrell. You were able to correct, and demonsrate how to improve his kicking. We are so grateful to your knowledge, your enthusiasm and dedication. Our son is a much better kicker because of you. Our only regret is not having you for the last four years. We wish you and your wife and company the best in your endeavors. If theres anything we can do, it would be an honor. We hope to see you in the future. I hope you are able to contact the local papers. It would mean alot to us. God bless you and happy holidays.
Ruben and Melody Chamorro
Jimmy,
I hope all is well with you and your family. Last night Malibu High School beat Saint Monica’s in the last second of the game. Malibu was down 14-20 with less than 2 seconds on the clock when they drove in a touchdown from their 7 yard line to tie things up 20-20. Justin put in an amazing extra point with no time left on the clock and approximately 800 people waiting to see how the game was going to go. This was a great game for him and the team and the winning kick a big birthday present for himself. We wanted to let you know and thank you for all the time and effort that you put into his training. It all came together last night.
Thanks from the entire Schwartz Family and Malibu High School.
“Jimmy Rafter is first and foremost a great football coach and teacher who has the art of guiding the most rare breed of player, the kicker, down pat…..Of great importance in a one day clinic format is that Jimmy connects with the kids instantly, gaining trust and attention like all the great coaches. I had the honor of coaching under Steve Mariucci when he was the Special Teams Coordinator at USC….Jimmy Rafter, like Mariucci, in the kicking game, is an enthusiastic perfectionist that football players rally around. Don’t miss the opportunity to have some of his magic rub off on you, your kids, and your kicking game!!!”
John Hazelton, Head Football Coach, Carpinteria High School




