ATHLETES OF THE WEEK

Rory Kipper

School: Cape Central

Class: Senior

Sport: Track

Events: 1600, 3200 meters

Coach: Jerry Dement

Week report: Kipper claimed four individual titles, winning the 1600 meters and 3200 meters in both the Poplar Bluff Invitational and SEMO North Conference Meet. In the conference meet at Abe Stuber Complex, Kipper ran a season-best in the 1600 (4:45.30) and won the 3200 in 10:31.70 to help the Tigers win the team championship. At Poplar Bluff, Kipper won the 1600 with a time of 4:50.85 and the 3200 in 10:22.98.

On the season: Kipper, who's qualified for state competition in both cross country and track, appears on his way to another trip to Jefferson City. A four-year track letterman at Central, Kipper is also a key member of the Tigers' 4x800 relay team.

Coach's comments: "Rory's one of our few senior boys and he's really had nice season. He's been the leader of our distance crew. He's active in a lot of school activities, is a strong student and has been one of the top miler's and 2-miler's in Southeast Missouri. The longer the race, the better for him."

Kristen Tallent

School: Cape Central

Class: Senior

Sport: Track

Events: 400 meters and relays

Coach: Jerry Dement

Week report: Tallent won an individual SEMO North Conference title in the 400 meters (59.91) and was a member of the winning 4x400 and 4x800 teams at Abe Stuber Complex. She also placed third in the 200 meters (27.30) as the Lady Tigers claimed the team conference title. At the Poplar Bluff Invitational earlier in the week, Tallent won the 400 meters and was also on the Lady Tigers' winning 4x800 and 4x400 teams. To top off her week's accomplishments, Tallent was named Central's prom queen.

On the season: In her fourth season of varsity track, Tallent has solidified her position as the top girls 400-meter runner in the area. Last year she placed fourth in the 400 meters at the 4A state meet and the year before was on the 4x400 state-championship team. Entering the district meet Saturday, the Lady Tigers' 4x800 team is undefeated and the 4x400 team has lost only once.

Coach's comments: "Kristen's a top-notch individual all the way around. As far as character and leadership, she's top-of-the-line. Kristen is very dedicated, she has a lot of pride and wants to be successful in everything she does. The last two years she's been the top 400-meter runner in our part of state."