The Mules Booster Club has named Ava Richardson and Nick Spain of Poplar Bluff High School the September Athletes of the Month, presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors.
Nick, a senior cross-country runner, has medaled at the Arcadia Valley Invite, placing 33rd; as well as the West Plains Invite and the Cape Invite, placing eighth respectively; and was named the large school champion at the Van Buren Invite, with a personal 5K record of 17 minutes and 53 seconds. In the classroom, he has maintained a weighted grade point average of 11.214, according to faculty.
“Nick has really grown and improved for the last four years,” stated Beth Lewis, his coach. “He loves running and it shows through everything he does.”
Ava, a senior tennis player, is a three-year letterman in tennis, while also lettering in swimming during her junior year. She presently is No. 3 in varsity singles, and on the No. 2 doubles team. She helped place fourth out of 34 teams at the Springfield Invitational in doubles, and third at the Class 2 Districts in doubles. This year, Ava has a season record of 11-1 in singles, with her only loss being a forfeit due to injury. In doubles, she and Hannah Kee are 9-3. In addition, she has lettered academically all four years at PBHS.
“Ava has been a leader for our team on and off the tennis courts,” said Michelle Massey, her coach. “She encourages all JV players to do their best and she continues to be a true team player, pushing herself and her teammates to improve.”
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Cutline: Nick Spain and Ava Richardson are presented the AOM awards by Brian Taylor, Booster Club president, on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at PBHS.