ATHLETES OF THE WEEK: BEN ROEGER

Ben Roeger

School: Cape Girardeau Central

Sport: Swimming

Coach: Dayna Powell

Season report: Roeger, a senior, has bettered his personal best in the 200 and 500 freestyle and the 100 backstroke this season and is also a key member of several relay teams. He also serves as the team captain.

Week report: Roeger won both the 100 backstroke and the 200 freestyle in a dual meet with Kirkwood. His 100 backstroke time of 58.51 was a state qualifier. Roeger was also part of two relay teams that took first place against Kirkwood. He also helped keep the team afloat with solid performances during the Marquette Relays, when several senior swimmers had to miss while taking ACT tests on Saturday.

Coach's comments: "He's really learned how to pace through races. He tends to be one of the three consistent individual winners. He's swimming better than he's ever swam. He's also been the team's practice leader. He hasn't missed a practice and has a tremendous work ethic and gets the whole team fired up. He's been working hard for me."