As the OSSAA state track championships began, Drevon Colbert sat down beside his coach and explained that he was going to win the gold medal.

With a jump of 6-feet-4 inches, Colbert earned his place at the top of the award stand wearing the gold medal as the Class A high jump state champion capping a spring season where the talented sophomore had either won or finished second in every track meet.

“He looked me straight in the eye and said I’m going to be a state champion today,” recalled Hornets track coach, Nadenna LaVarnway. “I had no doubts because Drevon has the confidence of a grizzly bear.”

But Colbert wasn’t satisfied with one championship performance. On day two, “Dre” saved his best effort of the year to claim the long jump Class A crown with a leap of 21 feet and a quarter inch, two inches longer than the second-place finisher.

“Coach said you’ll have to go 20 feet plus to make the finals and 21 feet to win. I was determined to make her a two-time state champion coach.” 

Winning the long jump title is a story of its own for Colbert and his coach. 

“The school purchased a high jump pit this spring and he went to work, consistently jumping higher and higher,” explained LaVarnway. “He also played baseball but because we don’t have a long jump pit, he had to find practice time on his own. The track meets were both practice and performance.”

Known for his athleticism and outgoing personality, Colbert makes the best of every challenge.

“Confidence is the difference maker for me. It’s something I’ve learned from the influence of family members and my coaches,” said Colbert whose “dunks” on the basketball court drew an invite from LaVarnway to give track a try. “And, when God gives you a talent, you need to use it.”