Testimonials
We started with Skip when Cade was in 8 th grade and worked with him for 5 years. I was very impressed as I watched m son’s skills develop into an All State quarterback. He learned footwork, pocket presence and release points. He also gave a lot of good drills for him to work on at home. During the season Skip gave advice and encouragement and was very engaged in and off season in building Cade’s confidence and football IQ. When the time came, Skip helped tremendously in the recruitment process. Skip’s coaching was instrumental in Cade’s opportunity to play football at Lindenwood University. I highly recommend Skip at QB Edge for any young player that is serious about playing high school and college quarterback.
—— Ellis Brister (Father of Cade)
Cade Brister
All State 1st Team
All Conference, All District, Gatorade Player of the Year
I have had the pleasure of knowing Skip for many years and believe him to be one of the finest individual quarterback coaches in the entire country. Every QB I have evaluated that has worked with Skip has been extremely fundamentally and mechanically sound ,and has a vast wealth of knowledge of the position. I would recommend Coach Skip to any young QB looking to enhance their skills and prepare themselves for the next level. "Hook 'em Horns!"
—— Tom Herman
Head Coach
University of Texas
As a member of Univeristy of Iowa Hawkeye football family, Coach Stitzell has been a regular participant in our coaching clinics and camps over the last several years. As a QB coach, he has an excellent understanding of the discipline and mechanics required to develop efficient and accurate passing QBs. His attitude, enthusiasm and expertise earn him the respect of athletes and coaches alike. I am pleased he is a Hawkeye.
—— Kirk Ferentz, Head Coach, University of Iowa
In our travels across the country, we've found Skip Stitzell to be one of the most knowledgeable and skillful quarterback coaches around. He is an invaluable part of the Elite 11 coaching staff. I would highly recommend Coach Stitzell to any high school quarterback hoping to someday play college football, because if you don't get the EDGE, somebody else will!
—— Brian Stumpf, Elite 11 Quarterbacks Dir. of Player Personnel
I have found Skip Stitzell to be one of the best fundamental teachers for quarterbacks in the business. I would highly recommend Skip Stitzell’s QB Edge development clinics to anyone that wanted to advance their fundamental training at the quarterback position.
—— Shawn Watson, Offensive Coordinator/QB Coach, University of Pittsburgh
If you want to improve your overall fundamentals at the quarterback position and learn the little details that will turn the average player into a player that can lead his team to the the game winning touchdown Coach Skip is the coach your looking for. Ive seen the results of his coaching first hand.
—— Mike Bobo, Head Coach, Colorado State University
My son had just completed his freshman year at Moeller High School in Cincinnati. Moeller has won 5 national championships and there were 7 QBs vying for the starting spot. I started looking for a QB coach. A co-worker mentioned that when he lived in St. Louis he trained with Skip Stitzell and he was amazing. St. Louis is 350 miles from Cincinnati. I thought to myself, “no way” but one 45 minute phone call to Coach Skip was all it took. Thomas and I jumped in the car and traveled 700 miles roundtrip every other weekend for 2.5 years – culminating in a full ride to PITT!
I remember the first training session like it was yesterday. Skip had Thomas do footwork drills for 90 minutes. About 45 minutes in, I asked Coach– “when is he going to throw the ball?” His response, “when I like what he’s doing with his feet”. Little did I know, this is one of the qualities that separates Coach Skip from all the other QB coaches/”gurus” in the profession. He builds the QB from the ground up. The next session, after 45 mins of footwork drills, he threw to a stationary receiver. I asked Coach, “When are we going to run some patterns”. His response – “when his mechanics are dialed in and he can hit the receiver in the jaw 15 times in a row from 20 yards out”. It was then when I knew we had the right guy!
Skip has been the best QB coach we could ever ask for. He takes a personal interest in each athlete, relentlessly stresses the fundamentals, cares deeply about my son and he uses his vast network to provide opportunities for exposure and visibility. Our family considers him a dear friend and he will be a life-long mentor/coach to Thomas. The fundamentals Coach Skip developed in Thomas are what has set him apart from his competition and enabled him to be a record setting starter at Moeller, the 8th ranked QB in the country, his senior year and landed him a scholarship to PITT in the now football rich ACC.
The other thing we loved about Coach is that he is a straight shooter. I remember asking him how Thomas can catch the eye of college coaches – he said, “Get Better”. He wanted to know how deep the fire was burning inside Thomas to be the best he could be. He demanded excellence, demanded sacrifice and then he gave us everything he had to give. Simply put, He is the BEST!
—— Tom MacVittie, Father of Thomas MacVittie
Skip Stitzell with QB Edge has been a real difference maker for our son, Ross Trail. We learned about him the summer before Ross' sophomore year from fellow quarterback dad, Jack Peavey, father of Arkansas quarterback, Rafe Peavey. Working with Skip not only greatly improved Ross' quarterback skills, but a true friendship was formed with him and our family. Unlike many coaches, he truly cared about Ross' future and always advised him well. He was an advocate and counselor for Ross during his recruiting process. Skip is well known with college coaches and his contacts proved to be essential. The recruiting process can be challenging at times and it was so comforting for Ross to have someone to talk to that had his best interest at heart. We have referred several other quarterbacks to Skip and will continue to do that in the future. We look forward to Ross' college career at the University of Cincinnati and know that Skip will be there with us every step of the way.
—— Rusty Leigh Trail, Parents of Ross Trail
Our son Blake knew at a young age that he wanted to be a college level quarterback. He started working with Skip after his freshman year of high school. After sharing varsity time his freshmen season of high school, he took on the full roll of varsity quarterback. At this time, he also learned that his team quarterback coach would be relocating. This is when Skip was recommended to us. Looking back, choosing Skip to instruct our son, was probably the best decision we made for Blake and his football career. Skip is a great instructor on the detail of throwing motion, footwork, getting your body in the right position to make accurate throws, and progressing your son step by step to make him a better quarterback. Skip is much more than just a trainer. In addition to the fundamentals and skill work, Skip went above and beyond assisting us in the recruiting process. His expertise in this area benefited Blake greatly. Thanks to Skip, when signing day came around Blake had several offers to choose from. He is now getting ready to start his college football career. After three years of working so closely with Skip, he is much more than Blake's trainer. He is a part of our family!PS. In Blake's sophomore, junior, and senior season Blake led the St. Louis area in passing.
——Jim & Kristy Hulsey Parents of Blake Hulsey
Our son, TJ, began playing QB when he was 7. He started working with Skip his freshman year and we were impressed with his progress right from the start. Skip's attention to detail when it comes to the fundamentals of footwork and throwing mechanics are second to none and his ability to teach, breaking everything down step by step, has proven very effective...
In the years he has been working with Skip, TJ has attended many camps at colleges of all levels. At each one he has stood out among the QBs in attendance and has been commended by the coaches for both his footwork and throwing skills. TJ has also learned a lot from Skip about the mental aspects of playing QB. He mentors his athletes in the key areas of leadership and communication with teammates and coaches.
We are confident that TJ's work with Skip has played a crucial role in his success throughout the recruiting process. After receiving scholarship offers from several DII programs, TJ committed to Missouri Western where he received a full scholarship. Our family would like to thank Skip for everything he has done to help TJ rise to the next level and we look forward to working with him throughout his college career.
—— Tony and Nona LaFaver
We are truly grateful for all of the training and support that Coach Stitzell has given Skyler over the last 5 years. His QB training is about making continuous improvements and acute adjustments in order to generate the desired result.
Skip's ability to analyze and train the mechanical aspects of the throwing motion in order to produce consistent accuracy is exceptional. His reputation and respect throughout the Midwest proved to be particularly valuable when working with college coaches during the recruiting process and ultimately Skyler's opportunity to play at the next level.
——James Windmiller (Father of Skyler Windmiller)
We were lucky enough to meet Skip when Corbin was a 9th grader at Lee's Summit High School. Corbin had only played quarterback for one year, but Skip took the time to meet with my son and evaluate him. Skip focuses on skills that a lot of other coaches ignore ...
He impresses upon his students the importance of footwork, decision making and accuracy. I remember when my son hurt his shoulder, he was devastated. Skip continued to work with Corbin throughout his rehabilitation, except there was no throwing. The only focus was on footwork. This gave Corbin's arm a rest, while improving his footwork skills. Skip would call Corbin every Thursday night to wish him luck and talk with him about the up and coming Friday night football game. Then after every game, he would want to talk with Corbin to discuss what worked and what didn't at the game. I loved sitting my Skip at Corbin's games. He would gently speak as to what Corbin was doing right, and wrong. Not only did Skip support Corbin with Football, he cheered him on at different basketball and baseball games. Skip is so knowledgeable when it comes to the recruitment process. He gave us great advice and led us in the right direction. I called him many times with questions, no matter the time, he was always eager to talk and advise me. Corbin felt prepared for the Nike and Army Combine as well as many college camps because Skip prepared him as to what would be expected. I attribute so much of Corbin's success to Skip. I realize that Corbin's full ride scholarship to the University of Missouri would not be possible without Skip. He coached, advised and advocated for Corbin. Skip started out as a coach, but is now a friend to our entire family.
—— Kim Berkstresser, Mother of Corbin Berkstresser(committed to MU 2011) Lee's Summit High School
Just wanted to follow up and thank you for talking with me last May about my quarterback Andrew Black and his throwing motion problems. I implemented your thoughts on taping his wrist/stationary throwing/throwing in front of mirror/ and the HUGE coaching point of letting the shoulder rotate the ball NOT the wrist. I am happy to report that after his junior season with barely 1000 yards passing and a 3-7 record he exploded this year with these stats:
- 2013 Stats:
- 192/347 passing for 2817 yards---------29TDs
154 carries for 1303 yards (8.46 yds/ carry)---------20 TDs
4120 YARDS OF TOTAL OFFENSE
He now holds 5 school records and is top 5 in 15 categories. We finished 10-4 and had a great season. He was dangerous and a huge weapon and completely turned our offense around.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Very respectfully,
——Brad Baca
Offensive Coordinator/QBs - Bulldog Football
Our son, TJ, began playing QB when he was 7. He started working with Skip his freshman year and we were impressed with his progress right from the start. Skip's attention to detail when it comes to the fundamentals of footwork and throwing mechanics are second to none and his ability to teach, breaking everything down step by step, has proven very effective....
In the years he has been working with Skip, TJ has attended many camps at colleges of all levels. At each one he has stood out among the QBs in attendance and has been commended by the coaches for both his footwork and throwing skills. TJ has also learned a lot from Skip about the mental aspects of playing QB. He mentors his athletes in the key areas of leadership and communication with teammates and coaches.
We are confident that TJ's work with Skip has played a crucial role in his success throughout the recruiting process. After receiving scholarship offers from several DII programs, TJ committed to Missouri Western where he received a full scholarship. Our family would like to thank Skip for everything he has done to help TJ rise to the next level and we look forward to working with him throughout his college career.
—— Tony and Nona LaFaver
We are truly grateful for all of the training and support that Coach Stitzell has given Skyler over the last 5 years. His QB training is about making continuous improvements and acute adjustments in order to generate the desired result.
Skip's ability to analyze and train the mechanical aspects of the throwing motion in order to produce consistent accuracy is exceptional. His reputation and respect throughout the Midwest proved to be particularly valuable when working with college coaches during the recruiting process and ultimately Skyler's opportunity to play at the next level.
—— James Windmiller
Father of Skyler Windmiller
We were lucky enough to meet Skip when Corbin was a 9th grader at Lee's Summit High School. Corbin had only played quarterback for one year, but Skip took the time to meet with my son and evaluate him. Skip focuses on skills that a lot of other coaches ignore ...
He impresses upon his students the importance of footwork, decision making and accuracy. I remember when my son hurt his shoulder, he was devastated. Skip continued to work with Corbin throughout his rehabilitation, except there was no throwing. The only focus was on footwork. This gave Corbin's arm a rest, while improving his footwork skills. Skip would call Corbin every Thursday night to wish him luck and talk with him about the up and coming Friday night football game. Then after every game, he would want to talk with Corbin to discuss what worked and what didn't at the game. I loved sitting my Skip at Corbin's games. He would gently speak as to what Corbin was doing right, and wrong. Not only did Skip support Corbin with Football, he cheered him on at different basketball and baseball games. Skip is so knowledgeable when it comes to the recruitment process. He gave us great advice and led us in the right direction. I called him many times with questions, no matter the time, he was always eager to talk and advise me. Corbin felt prepared for the Nike and Army Combine as well as many college camps because Skip prepared him as to what would be expected. I attribute so much of Corbin's success to Skip. I realize that Corbin's full ride scholarship to the University of Missouri would not be possible without Skip. He coached, advised and advocated for Corbin. Skip started out as a coach, but is now a friend to our entire family.
—— Kim Berkstresser
Mother of Corbin Berkstresser
Committed to MU 2011
Lee's Summit High School
I consider Coach Skip to be one of the top QB coaches in the country. He's not only knowledgeable about the Quarterback position, but also he has the ability to teach the fundamentals and leadership required of the position. Tyler worked with Coach Skip an prior to attending Elite 11 and prior to playing in the US Army All American Bowl, Coach Skip identified issues with Tylers footwork and fixed them on the spot. Coach Skip is the axiom of teacher, coach, and mentor.
—— Randy Matthews
Tyler Mathews committed to TCU in 2012 and Elite 11 finalist
As I was watching my son Drew's highlights from this past season, a few things really jumped out. 1. His footwork is exceptional and his shoulders are almost always aligned for the throw. 2. His release is high and quick. 3. His ball placement and accuracy is spot on. I want to personally thank you for all the work you have done with Drew. I am amazed at how sound fundamentally he is and just how much he has developed over the last 3 years. I know that he is well prepared for success at the next level. Drew tied the Missouri Career High School Completion Percentage Record at 67.8%. Over 2 seasons he threw for 5878 yards, 50 TD passes and 1711 yards rushing in becoming one of the top quarterbacks in our area. Please feel free to use my comments and Drew's highlights as examples of your work.
—— Andy Hare
Head Football Coach
O'Fallon Christian
Luke moved from Iowa to Lee's Summit West at the start of second semester during his freshman year. He had played running back and linebacker in Iowa but decided he wanted to try to play QB at West because he felt that he could best help the team in that role.
Having never played QB, we wanted to expose Luke to some additional instruction. Skip came highly recommended from parents of several DI level QBs and we weren't dissappointed. Skip supplemented the instruction that Luke received from the coaches at Lee's Summit West and helped to accelerate his development as a QB. In particular he helped Luke with his footwork, throwing technique, and improving his arm strength and accuracy. Luke would not be where he is today without the help of Coach Skip
—— Tim Knott
Luke Knott committed 2012 Iowa State
I am writing this letter not only as first a parent, but also as a former collegiate and NFL player and collegiate football coach with over 25 years experience. I give my highest recommendation to Coach Skip Stitzell and his ability to not only coach, but mold young quarterbacks into future scholarship athletes.
I am now a collegiate athletic administrator, and I am telling you as a dad with a pretty extensive knowledge of football, not just any one is allowed to coach my sons, I listen to philosophy and I watch to see why I should let this person coach my son. Well I can promise you this Coach Stitzell is special, his understanding of footwork, arm positioning, release points, drills, technique, is extraordinary! He study's the game, he study's quarterbacks, he study's individual quarterback workouts done form the pro's to colleges across the country. Most importantly Coach Skip can communicate his vast knowledge to the young people he coaches.
Many parents today do not quite understand how recruiting works at the college level when it comes to the recruitment of quarterbacks it is like no other position. I thought I knew all about recruiting, but until you sit a watch your own son go through the process you realize how hard it is to be considered and elite enough athlete to get a scholarship. They need an edge! Being a quarterback you are the most scrutinized of all positions when it comes to recruiting. Each team recruits one a year! So to be a Division 1 athlete you have to be one of the top 118 quarterbacks in the nation! The real number is actually smaller when you consider junior college QB recruits. The recruitment of quarterbacks has changed! No quarterback receives a scholarship just off game tape. He will be expected to attend many one day camps and perform and throw in person for each team interested in him. This is not only expensive but each coach has a different set of drills he will have to be prepared for. Coach Stitzell will have your son prepared and ready! I feel both my boys Rafe and Kolt, are blessed to have a mentor like Coach Skip! In addition to all his qualifications and documented success he is a man who carries a lot of clout with college coach. As a coach and a parent I can only tell you these connections are priceless.
I highly recommend Skip Stitzell and The Quarterback Edge for your sons. It was one of my best athletic decisions regarding my boys! Once I realized I did not have the knowledge to help them reach higher I chose Skip and give him the praise for my sons reaching their potential, I couldn't have done it without him.
—— Jack Peavey
Assistant Athletic Director
Oklahoma Baptist University
Please read how the QB EDGE has has impacted lives and improved games in the testimonials from previous years listed below.
Our two oldest sons have had the pleasure to work with Coach Skip for the past four years and each has improved their quarterback play significantly. Skip's understanding and his ability to teach the all-important fundamentals of the quarterback position have been instrumental in their ongoing development both physically and mentally in playing this position. Coach Skip's ability to analyze, break-down, correct and improve all facets of each of our son's footwork, throwing motion, follow-through, and read/react skills is unequalled on a national level. Each was well prepared for this past football season, and the significant improvement was noted by not only their high school coaches, but college coaches as well. Skip's thorough instruction also has prepared our sons to be competitive on a state-wide and national level, as each are pursuing a college career at the Division 1 level. Coach Skip is not only a tremendous teacher, but also a mentor, and most importantly a family friend.
—— Chuck & Bev Gabbert, St Louis, MO
Having spent some time as a quarterback in college and briefly in the NFL, I was lucky enough to get exposed to some of the brightest and best coaches and techniques. But, looking back, all the things I learned in total came from a technique here, a system there, this coach, that coach. With my son now playing the position, the opportunity to work with Skip Stitzell’s QB Edge is really unique. Rather than going to numerous places and working with numerous coaches, all of the technique, all of the drills, all of the knowledge of the fundamentals of the position are available to him from one source – thru Coach Skip. The basics of the position are pretty simple in concept, but the application is extremely difficult – Coach Skip breaks it down in a manner that works. I’m not sure Dylan really understands the significance of this, but his game and ability are reaching new levels because of it. We are extremely grateful to work with Coach Skip and excited to see where it takes Dylan in the coming years. I only wish I could have worked with Coach Skip.
—— Matt Veatch (parent of attendee and former NFL quarterback)
Having had our oldest son go thru the national recruiting process, we knew that we needed to provide our youngest son David with the best tools that we could find to make him the best QB that he could be as he aspires to play in college as well. We did a national search looking for the best QB coach that we could find for him and we found that coach in the state of Missouri in Skip Stitzell. After the first few sessions, our decision was confirmed as being the correct one as we saw noticeable improvements in mechanics, footwork, release, and confidence with our son. Coach Skip’s ability to connect with each of his kids is very evident as we saw it firsthand with our son. It is also very evident that he cares for each of his kids on a personal level as well as he calls to check in to see how he is doing, how football is going, etc. We would highly recommend Coach Skip to anyone looking for the best QB training available.
—— Bruce and Beverly Olson, Columbia, SC
Coach Skip has been a great addition to our offseason and inseason workout routines. His fundamental coaching is excellent both from the footwork aspect and the mechanics of throwing. Best of all is the support network he provides to his students. His contacts and connections with college coaches and help in the recruiting process are priceless. We are way ahead in the game concerning quarterback fundamentals.
—— Jim Dalton, Blue Springs, MO
I can not say enough about the improvements my son has made since beginning to work with Coach Skip. His knowledge of every aspect of the quarterback position is endless. My son's footwork, throwing mechanics, development not only physically but mentally, and accuracy have greatly improved since he has been working with Coach Skip. More importantly the confidence he has built in him is tremendous. Coach Skip not only teaches about football but has taken an interest in my son as a young man, boosting his confidence, being a positive role model, positive reinforcement, and a sincere caring attitude. My son's passion for the game and desire have grown because of the confidence that Coach Skip has instilled in him. I am sincerely grateful.
—— Joan Davila, Shawnee, KS
If you are looking for someone who understands how to coach quarterbacks, Coach Stitzell is an excellent choice. As the quarterbacks coach at MU I have had the opportunity to work with Coach Stitzell and observe his training methods first hand. I recommend him to any quarterback who is looking to gain an edge.
—— David Yost, Quarterback Coach, Mizzou
I have observed Coach Skip’s work with QBs from around the Midwest including all the QBs in our program. The first thing that jumps out is his interest in the players as individuals and how a player’s character comes first. His ability to connect with the players allows him to transfer his great knowledge of QB play. I could not be happier with his methods and his results. I am thrilled that St. Dominic football is part of the QB Edge team.
—— Bob Leonard, Head Coach, St. Dominic High School