Yarbro pushing himself and Red Devils this season

Chaffee's Blake Yarbro throws discus on Saturday, May 4, in the Class 2 District 1 Meet at Scott City High School.

Clay Herrell ~ cherrell@semoball.com

Blake Yarbro punched his ticket to the Class 2 sectionals with a victory in shot put on Saturday, May 4, at the Class 2 District 1 meet at Scott City High School.

Maybe the most impressive part of Yarbro’s success is despite being a senior, it’s only his second year participating in track and field.

“This year I’ve came out and exploded a little bit more,” Yarbro said. “Even though it’s only my second year I definitely feel a little bit more experienced than a lot of people are.”

Yarbro said he decided to give the sport a try because of the coaching staff convincing him.

“I definitely picked it up pretty quickly,” Yarbro said. “I came out my first year and got 10th at state in shot put. It’s something I’ve picked up pretty quickly and it’s something I feel like I’ve improved on a lot over the past year.”

The success in his junior year had Yarbro and focused and ready entering his senior season.

“I felt great,” Yarbro said. “I knew I was here and I was ready to make a statement about who I am and what I can do.”

During his short time competing, Yarbro has seen impressive improvement.

“I’ve been more consistent,” Yarbro said. “Especially with my throws and my motions and I’ve just been working a lot harder in general.”

For Yarbro, a meet can be chaotic with focusing on javelin, discus and shot put all close to the same time.

“I try to stay chilled out as much as I can,” Yarbro said. “I know that I’m going to do what I do best and put up big numbers and compete with everybody out here.”

Yarbro has done just that, proving to be one of Chaffee’s top throwers this season.

“I feel like I’m one of the leaders on this team,” Yarbro said. “I feel like I can do a lot to push people to work harder. I just try to help my team become an all around better group.”

As the end of his senior year draws near, Yarbro, also a standout football player, will continue playing football and throwing at Southwest Baptist.

Yarbro will compete in the Class 2 sectionals on Saturday, May 11, at Park Hills Central.