The Mules Booster Club has named Koryenna Williams and Darius Graham of Poplar Bluff High School the March Athletes of the Month, presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors.
Darius, a senior track and field runner, placed first in the high jump for five meets in a row, holding the current best of Class 5 record of 2.08 meters; scored first in the long jump for four out of five meets, placing fourth in Class 5 with 7.05 meters; and scored first in the triple jump for four out of five meets, placing 19th in Class 5 with 13.15 meters. As a 4x100 meter relay team member, he helped the school place 26th in Class 5 at 43.82 seconds. Darius additionally landed the MoMileSplit state performance of the week at the end of March. He is the 2023 Class 5 state high jump record holder.
“Darius is a great student-athlete and team leader,” said Jeff Mannon, his coach. “He lifts those around him to be better people and athletes. Darius cheers teammates on at all times and celebrates their personal bests as they achieve them. Darius has a drive that is unmatched, and works hard to achieve his goals.”
Koryenna, also a senior track and field runner, placed first at the Poplar Bluff Open and second at the Jackson, Desota and Northwest invites, all in the 100-meter; plus placed third at the Jackson and Desota invites in the 200-meter. She is currently seeded No. 1 in Class 5, District 1 for the 100-meter; and seeded No. 3 in both the 200-meter and long jump.
“Kory is an excellent leader and such a hard worker. She comes to practice every day with the best attitude, ready to work. And at meets she makes sure everyone is doing what they should be doing, and she often helps hype up the girls for their own events,” said Elizabeth Lewis, her coach. “She sets a fine example daily on how a student-athlete should be on and off the field. Kory has been a fabulous addition to the PBHS track team over the years, and she will be missed after graduation. Very rare to have an athlete of her talent and character as well.”
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Cutline: Darius Graham and Kory Williams are presented the AOM awards by Brian Taylor, Booster Club president, on Wednesday, April 17, at Mules Stadium.