Mark with parents Julie and Michael Nappier. (Corey Saathoff photo)

The Republic-Times Athlete of the Week is Valmeyer High School senior catcher Mark Nappier. He is pictured with parents Julie and Michael Nappier during his senior night ceremony following last Thursday’s win over Dupo.

Nappier, a recent SWIC signee, is hitting .434 this season with nine home runs and 46 RBIs. He leads the entire St. Louis area in RBIs and is second in home runs. He has also scored 32 runs this season for the Pirates, who are 19-12-1 and play in the Class 1A New Athens Regional on May 18.

“Mark is such a mentally tough hitter,” Valmeyer baseball coach Greg Reinhardt said.