The Mules Booster Club has named Kennedy Zgaynor and Landon Barks of Poplar Bluff High School the May Athletes of the Month, presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors.
Landon, an incoming sophomore and member of the golf team, ended the season with a 9-hole scoring average of 36.77, placing him 13th overall in state history. Landon was named to the All-Conference, All-District and All-State teams. He tied for conference medalist and was state runner-up.
“Landon has amazing character and work ethic,” said Tyler Davis, his coach. “He will continue to improve and will become an individual state champion at least once in his next three years.”
Kennedy, a track and field athlete of the Class of 2024, is the school record holder in javelin with a throw of 43.53 meters. She was named All-Conference, All-District and was a sectional qualifier over the past two consecutive years, and became the 2024 conference, district and sectional champion in javelin. Kennedy made All-State in 2023, placing fourth, and was a state qualifier this year.
“Her basketball and softball skills really shine through her throwing skills,” said Kennedy’s coach Elizabeth Lewis, attributing the outgoing senior’s success to her attitude and work ethic, calling her “everyone’s hype woman,” noting that the student has really grown over the past couple of years. “It was a blessing to have her come out and join us when she did. She’s going to do great things as she continues her career at SEMO.”
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Cutline: Kennedy Zgaynor and Landon Barks are presented the AOM awards by Brian Taylor, Booster Club president, on Tuesday, June 4.