Burton Powers His Way to State Gold

Last year Flatonia’s Kobe Burton placed second in state in the shot put.

He said the runner-up finish fueled him for an entire year, and Friday Burton got his gold, winning the state 2A boys shot put title with a throw of 55-feet, 5.75-inches.

“Feels great, coming back from last year when I was second place. I was more hungry this year to win it all,” Burton said.

Last year his runner-up distance was 51-11.25, so he’s improved dramatically.

“It was just technique and form the whole time, trying to get better since the start of track season,” Burton said. “Coach (Brad) Oden worked with me day-in and day-out.”

Friday at state, Burton’s best throw came on his first attempt, and no one ever caught him.

“First throw with me, there’s always a lot of nervousness. But that one just popped out really good, all the jitters were out,” Burton said.

He would go on to have three more throws in the competition that were also better than anyone’s. Second place was Adam Hill of Albany, who’s best was 53-0.25.

Friday marked the end of the track career for Burton, who is next heading to University of Texas-Permian Basin to play football.

He’s got no regrets as he puts away the shot put for good.

“Two state medals,” Burton smiled. “I can’t complain at all.”