A series to share #smiles across our community through the achievements of our local youth, brought to you by Olsen Orthodontics.
Paxton Yeates will be a Grizzly this fall after signing a National Letter of Intent to play football at Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado. The Riverton High School senior will play for head coach Mark Lenhardt one more time before heading off to college next as a member of the North Shrine Bowl squad.
Written by Randy Tucker
Yeates was as reliable as the sunrise as the Wolverine deep snapper last fall, and will continue in that position at Adams State with a chance to play outside linebacker as well.
He looked at other schools, including Dakota Wesleyan and Mount Marty University in South Dakota, but found his place in Alamosa.
“After my visit with players and coaches, I prayed about it a lot,” Yeates said. “It was Adams State.”
Yeates is an outstanding American Legion baseball player as well and will try to compete for the Grizzlies on the diamond in the spring.
He carries a 3.8 grade-point average and has his sights set on a degree in kinesiology/exercise science. After that, he’d like to work as an athletic trainer or as a physical therapist.
He is active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and was a member of the Riverton High School Student Council. In his spare time, he lifts weights and reads, especially science fiction.
“I want to thank my Lord for giving me this healthy body to compete,” Yeates said. “And to my parents for being there through the tough times.”
He thanked his coaches for all their work and dedication through the years.
“I thank my cousins Grady McCarten and Robbie Porter, too,” Yeates said.
His parents are Talon and Brittany Yeates. He is the grandson of Toi and the late Ron Porter, Garth Sr., and Bobbie Yeates.