Roach was another of the three-sport athletes during the pre-WWII era. In baseball, "Cocky" roamed the outfield with a skill that would have done credit to many a professional. He would rob extra base hits from plenty of batters. His speed made for many a sensational catch. His bat also played a major role in the victories of the 1927 squad, Spring Hill's greatest baseball teams. His speed turned a hit into an extra base knock. Roach captained the 1929 Badgers and moved to shortstop with the finesse he played the outfield. In football, "Cocky" could immediately cut loose for a 70-yard sprint down the side lines and even being the smallest man on the squad, he pitted his cleverness against opponent's strength and size and wormed his way, side-stepped and reversed his field through heavy men, leaving them bewildered while he continued on his way. His passing and kicking were spectacular. Roach was an excellent basketball player, again known for speed and quickness with a sharp shooting eye.