Tom Telle returns for Mules on Senior Night

Those in attendance at Mules Stadium on Friday received a special return from the former Poplar Bluff High School football coach and PB Sports Hall of Famer, Tom Telle.

Telle coached the Mules from 1972-1977 and returned Friday to walk his stepson and senior offensive lineman, Landon Park, as he gets honored on Senior Night.

“I’m really looking forward to returning to Mules Stadium,” Telle said. “I really think a lot of Landon. He’s a great person, and I just want to do something good for him. So, I’ll be right alongside him as he gets honored in front of his peers, and I’m happy to do it.”

During his time at Poplar Bluff, Telle had a win/loss percentage of .717, which is the best among the PB High School football coaches. He finished with a record of 43-15-1, won three conference titles in 73, 74 and 77 and is fifth all-time in wins for the Mules.

He also did his share of coaching on the greens, leading the PB golf team to four straight district championships while capturing second place in the state tournament.

Telle said it’s been nearly 50 years since he’s seen many of his players or staff from his coaching years in PB. He’s eager to see familiar faces and catch up on old times. Having the opportunity to walk with Park on senior night for the same football program he coached many years ago is a moment he will never forget.

Though he currently resides in Arizona, Telle said he still keeps up with the Mules and tries to livestream the games every Friday as much as possible.

“I’ve tried to keep up with the team every year since I departed,” Telle said. “I also have my tablet nearby on Friday nights, or I catch the results in the paper. I’m really excited to get to watch them play in person. It’s been five years since I last stepped into Mules Stadium, so I’m really excited.”

One of Telle’s most memorable moments while coaching at PB marks the 50th anniversary of breaking the Cape Central Tigers’ winning streak in 1973. The Tigers held a 28-game winning streak against the conference teams and were on the verge of getting 29 until the Mules stepped in.

“It was a great moment for us all because we defeated them on our field,” Telle said. “Our motto for that game was ‘no 29,’ which the players and my assistant Bill Ray came up with. After scoring our final touchdown, we had the choice to send the game into overtime. I’ll never forget one of the players came up to me suggesting that we go for the win, and I’m glad he did.”

The Mules won the game 29-28, and it remains one of Telle’s proudest moments with the program.