October 2025 Athletes of the Month
The Mules Booster Club has named Anna Bell and Connor Wiggs of Poplar Bluff High School the October Athletes of the Month, presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors.
Connor, a senior swimmer, has achieved state cuts in the 100 backstroke, as well as the 200 and 400 freestyle relays, and the 200 and 500 freestyle events, while placing first in multiple categories at swim meets this season. He holds the school record in the 500 freestyle with a time of 5:29.7. Academically, Connor ranks in the top 15 percent of his class, according to his coach, Ty Flanagan.
“Connor has gone above and beyond to demonstrate outstanding sportsmanship in and out of the pool, challenging not only himself, but his teammates to work hard and have the right mindset before each meet,” Flanagan said. “I know I can always count on Connor to help with practices, making sure others are ready to go before an event, and pick the best restaurants to go to after meets,” he concluded, jokingly.
Anna is the first female golf state champion in the history of the district, having scored a two-day total of 147 (+3) at the Twin Hills Golf and Country Club in Joplin. This season, she has earned an average of 70.2 strokes per 18-hole round and holds the record for the lowest score with a 64 (-8) at the Crescent Farms District Tournament. In the classroom, Anna maintains straight A's, according to her coach, Tyler Davis.
“Anna is an extremely diligent student and athlete. She has no quit in her and never makes excuses,” Davis said. “She is very self-disciplined and knows what it is she wants to accomplish, not only out of her game but in her academics. She never settles for anything less than perfect in herself. She is a remarkable golfer and a pleasure to be around. She is a true testament to what an all-star athlete should be.”