2023 Review: Poplar Bluff swimmer already attacking his next stage in life

Here is a series of stories that glance back at some of the interesting storylines from the 2023 sports year throughout Southeast Missouri.

For the senior class of 2024, moving on to the next chapter of each of those students’ lives is still a few months away, though with the passing of New Year’s Day, that next step is growing ever so closer.

For Poplar Bluff High School senior swimmer Isaac Cato, he has already immersed himself into his next chapter.

A year ago, at this time, Cato had recently turned 17 years of age and signed up to serve in the Missouri Army National Guard. Over the past year, he has spent one weekend each month training for his stint with the National Guard, as well as three months of Basic Training this past summer.

“It is free college,” Cato said of his reasoning for enlisting in the military, “and I’ve always wanted to serve my country.”

Cato’s diligence and mental toughness, which will certainly be needed in his future, was evident this fall for the Mules.

Despite getting a late start to his swim training in August due to his military commitment, Cato exploded in his development and ultimately helped the Mules win their third consecutive SEMO Conference Meet title, and advance to the MSHSAA Class 1 State Swimming and Diving Finals in both the 200 free relay and 400 free relay events.

“He just crushed it,” third-year Poplar Bluff swim coach Kyler Sowell said of Cato. “He has dropped so much time.”

Sowell admitted that early in the season Cato “wasn’t even one of my top ones for the relays.”

“Now he has gotten in two different spots,” Sowell said. “He has done amazing.”

Not only was Cato “amazing” in his swim feats, but his level of maturity when discussing his future will leave you very impressed.

“I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t wanting to be a firefighter or a police officer or do something to help my community,” Cato said.

Cato has plans to serve as a military police officer and endured a summer of late nights at Fort Leonard Wood, near Rolla, but mostly early mornings through his training.

“There were nights we were up (training) until 12,” Cato said, “and then we had to be back up at 3.

“It was hard, but it was a lot of fun. You meet a lot of people from all different backgrounds. It was a cool experience, for sure.

“I’ve always wanted to help my community, our country in general, and this is one of my goals.”