On Your Mark: Mules open strong at Frozen Invitational

CAPE GIRARDEAU — The Poplar Bluff Mules track and field team kicked their season into high gear over the weekend after claiming first place in the Notre Dame Frozen Invitational on Saturday in Cape Girardeau.

The Mules came out the gate swinging with their first win of the season, and it’s only the beginning as they set their sights on getting players back to the state tournament.

Head boys track/field coach Jeff Mannon said starting off the season with a victory was a great way to set the tone for the year, and after sending a few members to state last season, he’s looking forward to returning to the big stage. Though he’s unsure who it will be, Mannon keeps his eyes open for the next state qualifier.

“At the start of every season, it’s always a bit of a mystery how the kids will stack up against the competition,” Mannon said. “ We focus on setting personal bests and improving bit by bit with each meet. I’m thrilled that many of our athletes beat their previous personal bests and set new higher standards in Cape. I’m really proud of the team’s hard work and effort. They all competed well and supported each other from start to finish.”

Mannon believes the Mules have a solid group of young men who represent Poplar Bluff well on the track and conduct themselves with outstanding sportsmanship. He’s excited to see what these athletes can accomplish together this year.

Senior and reigning MSHSAA Class 5 state high jump champion Darius Graham picked up right where he left off at the Notre Dame Frozen Invitational. He snagged first in the high jump with a 6-06.00 mark, while fellow teammate Isaiah Nevel took second with a mark of 6-04.00.

Graham said that coming into the season and landing a win meant the team hadn’t lost a step and believes they will have a chance to send quite a few people to state this year. With a state title under his belt, Graham said he’s coming into this season with the mindset of an underdog.

“I plan to step into every meet with the same mindset I had last year,” Graham said. “I know it won’t be easy to win again, but I believe I can return to the finals. I know I still hold the title as state champion, but I’m coming in with an underdog mindset. My goal is to take it one meet at a time, and when it comes time for me to take it up a notch, I’ll be ready to go. I’m excited to have my final season with these guys with me.”

Last season, Graham became a state champion in the high jump by setting a new class 5 record, he had seven first-place finishes in the high jump, a state qualifier in the triple jump with four first-place finishes with a personal best of 13.8m and was a member of the sectional qualifying 4×100m relay team.

The Mules will rely on Graham and a few other returners to lead the squad, as well as some underclassmen, who Mannon feels can get the job done.

“I’m really excited about the season,” Mannon said. “We got many returners with guys who’ve experienced being at state and in sectionals. We have a really good core nucleus of kids, and I think that’s helping the younger kids right now because they see the expectations of what you have to be to compete with varsity. I’m really optimistic about the season; hopefully, everything goes well.”