ATHLETES OF THE WEEK

Travis Stevens

School: Jackson

Class: Senior

Sport: Baseball

Position: First Base

Coach: Sam Sides

Week report: Stevens had a sensational two games Saturday in the four-team Kelly Tournament, going 8-for-9 with two home runs and six RBIs. Stevens went 4-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs in an 11-5 win over Perryville and in the 10-8 title-game loss to Scott City, Stevens was 4-for-5 with a home run and three more RBIs. Jackson completed the week 7-8 overall.

On the season: Stevens, the Indians' shortstop the last two years, moved to first base this season after having surgery on his shoulder. The surgery hasn't affected his bat any as he leads the Indians with a .519 batting average (28-for-54), four home runs and a slugging percentage of .926. Stevens is also second on the club with 19 RBIs.

Coach's comments: "Besides being a good hitter, Travis has matured into a team leader for us. He's probably as good an athlete as we have in the school system. He can run, jump, he's strong and has real good hands. He's really worked out well at first base for us."

Mary Beth Owen

School: Cape Central

Class: Freshman

Sport: Swimming

Events: All

Coach: Dayna Powell

Week report: In two meets last week, Owen continued her fantasitic freshman season. In a three-team meet in St. Louis, Owen won the 50-yard freestyle (25.22) and was a member of the winning 200 freestyle, 400 freestyle and medley relay teams. At the 28-team Springfield Invitational, Owen placed second in the 200 IM (2:16.29) and third in the 100 freestyle (54.92). She also swam a leg on the winning 400 relay team and the second-place 200 freestyle team.

On the season: In just her first season of varsity swimming, Owen has produced state-qualifying times in every swimming event there is. Individually, she's undefeated in dual and triangular meets. She already holds two Central school records in the 100 backstroke (1:01.72) and the 200 freestyle (1:57.03).

Coach's comments: "Mary Beth is a real good worker and very coachable. She pays attention and tries to do everything we ask her to do. She takes her workouts seriously and is a very versatile swimmer. She's had a phenomenal freshman year."