Sappington Third Grader Excels on National Stage in Punt, Pass, Kick Competition

Sappington Elementary School third-grader Nathan Cobb is a soccer player by nature, but his exceptional scores in football accuracy and distance helped him earn a second-place finish in his age group at the NFL Punt, Pass and Kick national finals Jan. 14 in Baltimore, during the weekend of the AFC Divisional Playoff Game, according to a news release from the Lindbergh School District.

Nathan was one of 40 young athletes nationwide who qualified to compete at the national level. His qualifying score resulted in a No. 1 ranking nationwide for the boys 8-9 age group.

“I’ve been coming to the gym and practicing every day,” said Nathan, who gave up recess time to perfect his football skills, according to the Lindbergh news release.

Nathan got involved with Punt, Pass and Kick during physical education class at school. After placing first in his age group at the school and sectional levels last fall, he progressed to the regional competition at the Edward Jones Dome on Thanksgiving weekend and scored first in that competition as well.

“Nathan’s throw improved 40 feet from the sectional meet,” said his mother, Jill Cobb. “He plays soccer, so he’s really good at kicking, but at school during recess he always practices his football skills in the gym. After school, if he can be outside playing, he’ll be outside. We don’t have to get him to practice … it’s just what he wants to do.”

Throughout the process, Nathan’s parents have encouraged him to go, have fun and try his best. Sappington has participated in Punt, Pass and Kick for 15 years. For the past three years, the school has sent students to the regional competition, but Nathan is the first to compete nationally.