Mules sweep Barry Cody Bootheel Classic

It was a gorgeous afternoon for the Barry Cody Bootheel Classic at Ozark Ridge Golf Course on Thursday as several school competed in the event that included high school and junior high races.

Despite running in Jackson last week, the Poplar Bluff Mules didn’t let their home event have a champion from another school as senior Parker Hicks and sophomore Wren Cottrell cruised to victories.

Neither victor had another runner in sight after they passed the finish line, both delivered impressive times in the early-season event.

Hicks, a senior, knows he may not have many races left as a Mule but he wants to give it his all for not only him but a classmate, Lane Savat.

“Since then I’ve tried to dedicate all my athletics toward him in track and cross country,” he said. “This year, I just wanted to have fun because the last two years I stressed myself out so much trying to perform and this is the last time I’ll probably do this. I just wanted to have fun and not stress as much. Just go out and race.”

Running is a brotherhood and that rings true for Hicks. He started running because a friend invited during his freshman year

“We try to have fun at practice, we try to have fun out here,” he said. “We’re not the best team but as long as we’re out here pushing each other. Two of my best friends are on the team. We mess around at practice but we know when we’re doing our workout, it’s trying to better ourselves.

“That’s what I think is beautiful about running,” he said. “Your punishment is our sport and I’d take that in stride. Try to push myself everyday and become better.”

Cottrell is the same as her teammate in that she enjoys the bond with her fellow Mules.

“The friends that I’ve made with the team, they’re like family now,” she said. “I love them like family.”

Poplar Bluff�s Wren Cottrell grabs first in the high school girls race at the Barry Cody Bootheel Classic Thursday at Ozark Ridge Golf Course. Cottrell�s time was 21:59.84.DAR/Tyler Dixon

Cottrell said it’s not only about her teammates as she’s gotten to interact with fellow athletes from all backgrounds.

“You can make so many connections with people you don’t even know,” she said. “I’ve made so many friends from others schools and I feel like other sports it’s more competitive and this sport you can get to know people better.”

As Cottrell continues to navigate not only her cross country career but her high school career as well, she has a goal for her sophomore season. Something she wants to achieve for not only her but to the benefit of her teammates as well.

“Definitely have a better mindset than I did last year,” she said. “Try to be the light for everyone and just keep everyone positive.”

Cottrell, Hicks and the rest of the Mules next compete Sept. 9 in the Arcadia Valley Meet.