ATHLETES OF THE WEEK

Craig Ringwald

School: Cape Central

Class: Senior

Sport: Baseball

Position: Pitcher

Coach: Steve Williams

Week report: Preforming in front of nearly 20 professional scouts, Ringwald put on quite a show in Central's 15-0 season-opening win at Chaffee. The 6-foot-8 left-hander hurled a no-hitter against the Devils, striking out 15 to account for every out of the five-inning game. Scouts in attendance clocked his fastball at up to 86 miles per hour. He was also lethal at the plate, going 2-for-3 with an RBI-double. Central ended the week 2-1 overall.

On the season: With his towering presence on the mound, Ringwald enters his second season as the ace of the Tigers' pitching staff. Hampered by poor run support last year, Ringwald compiled a 3-5 record, striking out 70 while walking just 13 in 60 innings.

Coach's comments: "Craig's 6-8 and left-handed; you can't teach that. Most (college and pro scouts) are aware of him. He's got an improved curveball and a good change-up. Craig's key is he doesn't walk anybody. He's a leader on the team, but he leads by example. He's not a real vocal guy, but he's all business."

Lorie Bittle

School: Cape Central

Class: Sophomore

Sport: Soccer

Position: Midfielder

Coach: Tom Doyle

Week report: Bittle scored only one goal last week during the Lady Tigers three-game run to the Noon Optimist Kickoff Classic title, but it was a big one. In the championship game against Jackson, Bittle scored the opening goal against a fierce wind three minutes into the game to propel Central to a 3-0 victory. Bittle was also a key to Central's stingy defense that allowed just one goal in three tourney games.

On the season: Bittle started as a freshman on last season's Central squad that went 18-1, losing to eventual state-champion Lafayette in a state sectional. Central ended the week 3-0 last week, opening the season with a 4-0 win over Marion (Ill.) and a 4-1 semifinal victory over Perryville.

Coach's comments: "Lorie's work-ethic, speed and tenacity will be a benefit to us. She can run forever; even when's she's tired she gives 110 percent."