The Mules Booster Club has named Olivia Kirkman and Gatlin Taylor of Poplar Bluff High School the February Athletes of the Month, presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors.

Olivia, a junior swimmer, made the 2021 All Conference team in the 50 and 100 freestyle, and 400 freestyle relay; swam consideration state cuts in the 50 and 100 freestyle, the 100 backstroke, 200 medley relay, and the 200 and 400 freestyle relay; and was a state qualifier in the 200 medley relay and 100 freestyle. Ranked 21/359 in her class, Olivia maintains a 10.893 grade point average, according to her coach Elizabeth Lewis.

"Olivia has really stepped up this year," Lewis said. "She has really grown an interest [in] swimming and developed a will for improvement."

Gatlin, a junior wrestler, had a record of 37-5 with 22 pins, heading into states this weekend. He was the SEMO Conference, Bluff Duals and Bentonville West champion; Class 4 District 1 runner-up; and went undefeated at the Hillsboro and Collierville Duals. During pre-season, he was named All American, having placed eighth at pre-season nationals. He was voted captain by his teammates because of his “relentless dedication,” according to his coach Kelton Thompson. In the classroom, he maintains a 10.8 GPA and lettered academically.

“Gatlin is an incredible teammate who displays selfless behavior for his teammates daily. Gatlin is always team first, and leads by example in the wrestling room and classroom,” Thompson said. “His hard work and perseverance has led to incredible success on the mat.”

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Cutline: Olivia Kirkman and Gatlin Taylor are presented the AOM awards by Booster Club vice president Brian Taylor on Tuesday, March 9.