Poplar Bluff athletes receive Missouri Good Sports awards

More than just exceptional talent is needed to be an outstanding student-athlete. It all comes down to leadership, positivity and the will to push people to reach higher goals. These area athletes have raised the standard for both academic and athletic achievement.

A few multi-sport student-athletes from Poplar Bluff Junior and High School have been selected by the Athletic Department as Missouri Good Sports under the Missouri State High School Activities Association.

Outgoing seniors Kelsey Kramer, who cheered and ran track, and Mason West, who played football and ran track, incoming freshmen Lynn Cotrell, who ran cross country and track and Caleb Cassie, who played basketball and ran track, received the annual Awards of Excellence on Wednesday, May 15.

“We at MSHSAA firmly believe that a positive role model such as these athletes can positively influence the actions of others in their school, including teammates, younger students, opponents and even spectators,” said Jason West, the MSHSAA communications director.

By taking the responsible steps in displaying positive sportsmanship, these athletes are helping to rekindle the spirit of citizenship and are serving as a positive representative of your school and community.”

Cortrell was described as being very dedicated by her coaching staff. As a runner, Cotrell was dedicated to improving by showing up and giving the maximum effort every day. Cortrell broke the 400-meter record from 2010 with a time of 1:04:53 while being on the A-honor roll.

As a member of the Mules basketball and track team, Cassie was said to be a great encourager who takes criticism with maturity and an eagerness to learn and grow. He had things rolling in the classroom by making the A-honor roll.

According to multiple coaches at Poplar Bluff High, Kramer was said to be dedicated and self-driven. A student-athlete that is a natural born leader and a go-getter. She made the sectionals for the long jump this year while landing just outside the top 30 in her class.

West had a busy senior year as a Mule. He competed in the 4x400 in the sectionals this year and was an All-Conference honorable mention quarterback, All-Region quarterback and second-team All-District quarterback in 2022. In the classroom, he has maintained an 11.091 grade point average and maintained a positive attitude throughout his final season as a Mule.