Kris Silbaugh: High School Wide Receiver Born With One Hand Breaks Records
Kris Silbaugh was born with only one hand, but that hasn’t stopped him from becoming a multi-sport athlete at Cambridge Springs High School in Pennsylvania. In fact, Kris not only plays wide receiver on the football team, (a position that is difficult for those with two hands), he’s breaking school receiving records at the position, USA Today is reporting.
During a 63-0 blowout win last Friday over Saegertown, Kris caught a 43-yard touchdown pass to put his career receiving yards at 915, breaking the record of 912 set in 1988.
“I knew I was close to it last year, but I had forgotten about it. I was shocked; one of my coaches told me at halftime and I was just like, ‘Oh wow!’ It definitely makes me feel good that I was able to do that, but I always believe in myself.”
As ESPN notes, Kris Silbaugh has another record in his sights: a few more receptions and he’ll break his school’s all-time receptions record, too.
In fact, Kris Silbaugh has never let being born with one hand get in his way. At age 5, he decided to learn how to tie his shoes with one hand. By age 9, he was catching footballs in pickup games in the street — his blazing speed made him one of the most feared players in the neighborhood.
“It was just some sort of birth defect. Nothing was wrong. It has never stopped me. I just don’t let it; never have. 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.”
Silbaugh also plays defense, and snags passes that weren’t intended for him just as well has he does passes that were, thanks to a customized glove, according to Yard Breaker, that he uses to trap passes against his body.
High school receiver dominating with just one hand http://t.co/JbYAeEXRdq pic.twitter.com/eaqR9G4Ik2
— Getrealhandicappers (@Getrealhandicap) September 14, 2015
Kris admits that his coach was “a little shocked” when he told him he wanted to try out for wide receiver.
“I knew I wanted to be a receiver, but I didn’t know how everyone would react when I tried out. 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.”
Kris Silbaugh says that he’s been receiving letters from colleges, but for now he just wants to focus on the season.
[Image courtesy of: YouTube]
