The Mules Booster Club has named Kennedy Zgaynor and Carson Todd of Poplar Bluff High School the November Athletes of the Month, presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors.

Carson, a senior swimmer, has broken four individual school records this season including the 50 and 100 freestyle during the COMO Invitational in Columbia, and the 200 individual medley and 100 backstroke during the Springfield Invitational. He has also broken three school records as a member of the 200 medley relay, as well as the 200 and 400 freestyle relay. He is the first boys swim athlete to qualify for state in four individual events and three relays. In the classroom, he is ranked among the top 30 of his class, with a weighted grade point average of 4.0.

“As a team captain, he inspires and unites teammates, leading through words and actions. Carson Todd consistently goes above and beyond, dedicating countless hours to training and overcoming challenges with unwavering determination,” stated Kyler Sowell, his coach. “…In summary, Carson Todd is an outstanding athlete, a symbol of leadership, a paragon of hard work, and a quality individual who enriches the lives of those around him.”

Kennedy, a senior softball player, led offensively during the current season with the following statistics: a .421 batting average, .515 on-base percent, .754 slugging percent, 1.269 on-base + slugging, eight doubles, three home runs, 12 extra-base hits, 43 total bases, a 98.25 percent contact percent, and the fewest number of strikeouts – with only one. She also leads the team in every defensive category, including 74 total chances, a .973 fielding percentage, 69 putouts, three assists, and four double-plays. In the classroom, she has maintained an 11.0 GPA this semester.

“Playing in two less games than her teammates she led the team in each defensive category and nearly every offensive category as well,” said Aaron Duncan, her coach. “…She has worked through adversity and continued to perform in high-level coursework in class, on the field with above-average play, and in the dugout with her calm demeanor. Besides making difficult plays at short look routine, and being a very tough out at the plate, Kennedy is the ideal role model for student-athletes, and someone every coach wants on their team.”

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Cutline: Carson Todd and Kennedy Zgaynor are presented the AOM awards by Brian Taylor, Booster Club president, on Tuesday, Dec. 12, at PBHS.