Thetford, Bedell named October Athletes of the Month at PBHS

Poplar Bluff High School athletes Olivia Thetford (left) and Alex Bedell (right) are presented the with the September Athlete of the Month awards by Poplar Bluff Booster Club President Brian Taylor recently at Poplar Bluff High School.

Photo provided

The Mules Booster Club has named Olivia Thetford and Alex Bedell of Poplar Bluff High School the October Athletes of the Month. The award is presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors.

Bedell, a senior soccer player, scored 14 goals with 11 assists for the season. He earned first-team honors as both an all-SEMO Conference and Class 3, District 1 all-district student-athlete. A two-year academic letterman outside of the field, Bedell is an active member of clubs that include the Mule Barn, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Family, Career & Community Leaders of America, according to his coaching staff.

“Alex is a fantastic leader on the soccer team,” Poplar Bluff assistant soccer coach Mike Anderle said. “He consistently pushed his teammates to perform better during games and practices. Many of our players work harder during drills because of Alex’s presence.”

Thetford, a senior golfer, is a three-time letterman and has earned all-district and all-state honors twice — making her the first female golfer in PBHS history to do so. She has qualified for state competition three times in total. In the classroom, she has maintained straight A’s and B’s to boot, according to the coaching staff.

“Olivia is a determined athlete who always strives for excellence,” said Poplar Bluff golf coach Tyler Davis. “She is a great competitor and maintains a cool and level-head while competing. She knows what she wants to accomplish and when she falls short, she works to ensure that it is accomplished the next time.”