One-handed receiver sets high school’s yardage record

With all the news surrounding attacks on referees, attacks on players and suspensions of coaches, it’s a relief to finally have some positive news come from the football field.

Kris Silbaugh, a Cambridge Springs High School (Pennsylvania) wide receiver who was born without a left hand, became his school’s all-time leading receiver last week. Of all the positions Silbaugh could play, wideout would probably rank as the most difficult for someone with one hand, but through his story told by USA Today Sports, you learn he was never one to let obstacles get the best of him.

“I knew I wanted to be a receiver, but I didn’t know how everyone would react when I tried out,” Silbaugh told USA Today Sports. “Finally, I just kind of went for it. I knew I would have to be better than good. I still remember Coach (Clint) Rauscher, who was the head coach at the time, and he was a little shocked when I said I was a receiver.”

Silbaugh, who is still just a junior, caught a 43-yard touchdown pass on Friday, giving him 915 total yards during his high school career. The previous record was 912 yards, set in 1998.

Silbaugh also plays basketball and volleyball at Cambridge Springs. His next goal is to break the school’s receptions record, which stands at 57. He has 38.

“I definitely want all of the records I can get,” Silbaugh told USA Today Sports. “It’s crazy that, at first, no one knew me and now I get the best guy in the secondary all the time. I still feel like I have to prove people wrong because there’s always someone in the stands that hasn’t seen me play. I know that people will always be shocked at what I’m able to do because I only have one hand, but my goal is to be known as a dominant player, period.”

The story is certainly worth your time. Click here to read the complete article at USA Today Sports, and watch the video below (via MaxPreps) to see some of Silbaugh’s highlights.