Southeast Missourian Player of the Week: Jackson's Kyleigh Troxel

Jackson senior Kyleigh Troxel claimed first place in the 500-yard freestyle Saturday at the City of Roses Invitational swim meet.

Troxel, a two-time all-state swimmer in the event, clocked a state-qualifying time of 5 minutes, 15.98 seconds to finish ahead of nine other swimmers in the final. She finished 14 seconds ahead of runner-up Kirstie Crook of Parkway South in the final. The event had a total of 57 participants.

It was the fourth time Troxel bettered the state-qualifying time this season.

"That's kind of her signature race," Jackson coach Carol Baugh said about Troxel, who had fourth- and fifth-place finishes in the 500 freestyle at the Missouri State Swimming and Diving Championships her sophomore and junior year, respectively. "She is more of a long-distance swimmer."

Troxel also had a state-qualifying time of 2:00.63 in placing third among 62 swimmers in the 200 freestyle. It was her third qualifying time in the event this season.

"That meet was one of the best in the state," said Baugh, noting there were 19 schools represented. "It's one that all swimmers look forward to because the competition is so good. They're coming from all parts of the state. You don't see that again until you get to the state meet."

Troxel also has made a state-qualifying time in the 200 individual medley this season.

"She's one of those girls that if that is what she wants something, she'll give it all that she's got," Baugh said. "She's very determined and dedicated to the sport."