With a 43-yard touchdown reception in a game earlier this season, Kris Silbaugh became the all-time leader in receiving yards at Cambridge Springs (Pennsylvania) High School.
A nice achievement, but hardly something worth national attention. Except for one thing: Silbaugh was born with one hand.
According to a feature in USA Today, Silbaugh's path to becoming a wide receiver was an act of determination.
"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. "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 worked hard to become a competent wide receiver while keeping his internal struggle to himself. His disability was a source of frustration, but he didn't want it to provoke any preferential treatment.
"I never wanted anyone to pity me," said Silbaugh, who also handles kickoffs for the team. "I hate that feeling."
Far from just a novelty, Silbaugh said he's getting letters from college programs, although for now he's just trying to focus on the season and enjoy the moment.
"It's crazy that, at first, no one knew me and now I get the best guy in the secondary all the time," Silbaugh told USA Today. "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."
