The Mules Booster Club has named Ireland Gowen and Patrick Slack of Poplar Bluff High School the May Athletes of the Month, presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors.

Patrick, an incoming senior track runner, was crowned the Class 5 Section 1 champion in both the 110 and 300-meter hurdles; and was named the 110-meter hurdles champion at the Class 5 State Championships, finishing fourth in the 300-meter hurdles. 

“To see it all come together with a state championship in the 110-meter hurdles is a moment I'll never forget," said his coach, Jeff Mannon, upon detailing Patrick's improvement in the classroom and dedication in the weight room. "But what means even more is the young man he's becoming. I'm extremely proud of who Patrick is, not just as an athlete, but as a person. He earned this, every bit of it."

Ireland, a soccer player of the Class of 2025, has been awarded the Missouri Good Sport honor both in Junior and Senior High; was named to the All-District, All-Region and All-Conference teams; and was nominated for the SEMO Ball female athlete as well as the female soccer player of the year.

According to outgoing coach Rusty Crafton, Ireland was a “great leader, great student and great player for us.” She ended her academic career in the top 10 percentile of her class, he noted.

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Cutline: Ireland Gowen is presented the AOM award by Brian Taylor, Booster Club president, on Monday, June 23, at PBHS. Patrick Slack was not present for the photo.