Stotts and Barks named PB April Athletes of the Month

In the midst of all the April sports excitement, these two Poplar Bluff High School athletes were at the top of their game.

The Poplar Bluff Mules Booster Club named Ava Stotts and Lawson Barks the April Athletes of the Month, presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors.

Barks, a senior golfer, has been locked in all season for the Mules. He made All-Conference honors while placing third at the tournament this year. He also won medalist honors with a 69 (-3) score to par at the Notre Dame Invitational at Dalhousie Country Club. According to his coaching staff, Barks was selected as team captain and has been very consistent all year with his scoring, with a season-low round of 66 (-5) to par.

Head coach Tyler Daivs said Barks took his leadership role very seriously this season by making sure everyone was working hard at practice and ready to go during game time.

“Lawson is a dedicated and determined young man who is always willing to give a helping hand to his teammates,” Davis said. “He strives for excellence in everything he does on the course and works diligently to achieve it. Lawson’s character is impeccable, always in good spirits and a joy to be around.”

Barks recently placed fourth in this year’s 2024 MSHSAA Class 4 Boys Golf State tournament and helped the Mules capture a state title.

While Barks was tearing up the greens, Stotts was putting her speed to the test by blazing up the track.

Stotts is a sophomore track runner for the Lady Mules. She was the SEMO All-Conference champion in the 4x800 relay, placed second in the 4x400 and placed third in the 800.

Lady Mules track coach Beth Lewis noted that Stotts has worked hard to return to form after having to sit out most of the cross-country season due to injury.

“Ava has come back stronger and faster than ever,” Lewis said. “She has really taken a liking to mid-distance events and has helped score several points for the team throughout the season. She may be quiet, but she sure makes some noise on the track.”