MISSOULA — The spring sports season passed by, leaving behind numerous trophies and medals for Montana high school athletes in late May.
You probably didn’t hear about Paul Yarbrough, the assistant coach for the Missoula Hellgate softball team.
He made a two-hour round trip every day from Superior to the Rattlesnake field for practice and games, all while battling bladder cancer.
Even when chemotherapy made it too difficult to attend May practices, he still made it to home and away games.
Yarbrough wasn’t there for the championship, nor because his granddaughter was on the team.
People are also reading…
He did it to join in the fun and provide support. The Knights only won one game, but Yarbrough cherished the girls’ positivity, and they cherished his unwavering optimism.
“You don’t need someone to congratulate you when you’re doing well, it’s during tough times that support matters,” Yarbrough expressed.
“And they uplifted me as well. They gave me strength.”
The players surprised Yarbrough with balloons and bracelets after his first chemo treatment, a gesture more precious than any trophy.
In a harsh world, it’s comforting to know that someone truly cares outside of family. We all face challenges and rough patches at some point.
Despite the early April cold and the losing score, coaching softball in scarlet has brightened Paul’s spring. He savors every moment, regardless of the circumstances.
“High school athletes often remember the camaraderie more than the victories,” he observed.
I can relate to the struggles of the Hellgate softball team. I played on struggling teams throughout high school.
My favorite part was the bond with my teammates, not the wins. Those memories are everlasting.
We control how we respond to challenges. Yarbrough, a friend of mine, handles adversity with grace and strength.
Today, his focus is on getting better and returning to coaching. He dreams of leading Hellgate back to state competition.
Yarbrough is more than a coach; he’s a cherished figure in Missoula, renowned for his years as a public address announcer.
Regardless of the hardships he faces, high school sports remain a top priority for him. He looks forward to the upcoming seasons and events.
He receives messages of support from various sources, warming his heart and reminding him of the impact he has.
Paul Yarbrough is a beacon of hope and resilience, inspiring those around him with his unwavering spirit.
You don’t have to wear Hellgate colors to admire his character.
Bill Speltz is Missoulian Sports Editor. Email Bill at bill.speltz@missoulian.com.
