Athletes of the Week

LENSA GURMESSA

Mpls. North, girls' soccer

Two years ago, Gurmessa was playing soccer on dirt fields in her home country of Ethiopia. At the same time, the Polars were suffering through a season in which they lost all 14 games without scoring a goal.

Gurmessa emigrated to Minnesota with her family and joined the Polars midway through the 2006 season. And with her arrival, the fortunes of the Polars have dramatically improved.

Last week the sophomore midfielder scored two goals and had two assists in three games, including a 2-0 victory over St. Paul Humboldt in which she scored a goal and assisted on another. It was the Polars' first victory on the field since 2001 (they won a game last year because of a forfeit).

"It was so amazing to win," Gurmessa said. "I was so happy."

Gurmessa said that while the talent level in Ethiopia is still better than in the United States, she'd rather be playing here.

"In Ethiopia, we had to play in our clothes and some players didn't have shoes. Here, it's much better. We have everything we need."

JORDAN CARLSON

Rosemount, cross-country

Carlson, ranked No. 2 in Class 2A, got the 2007 season off to a strong start by winning the Rosemount Invitational. He covered the 2-mile course in a time of 9:42.7, leading the Irish to the team title.

KAYLEE MCDONALD

Elk River, soccer

The move from midfield to forward last week proved a wise one. In two victories and a tie, McDonald scored seven goals and added two assists. "She looks like a different player ," coach Brian Steuter said.

JUSTIN GOMINSKY

Mahtomedi, football

Gominsky showed his big-play ability in the Zephyrs' 41-21 victory Friday over South St. Paul. The senior wide receiver caught six passes for 168 yards and scored touchdowns on catches of 71, 34 and 16 yards.

MARISSA PRICE

Eastview, soccer

Last year's leading scorer, the junior striker has picked up where she left off. She has four goals and two assists, leading the Lightning to a 4-0 record to start the season.

COLE JIRIK

Northfield, football

The 6-4, 210-pound junior DE was the dominant player on the field in a 21-7 victory over Mankato West. He made 13 tackles, including seven sacks, and recovered a fumble for a touchdown.

MEGHAN WEISS

Visitation, swimming

The 2006 Class 1A champ in the 200 freestyle set a team record in that event with a time of 1:54.93, won the 100 freestyle in 52.90 and anchored the winning 200 free relay in a victory over Cretin-Derham Hall.

RAPHAEL THOMAS

Breck football

In his first game since suffering an Achilles' tendon injury in 2006, the senior tailback rushed 18 times for 273 yards and a TD in a 25-12 victory over St. Paul Academy.

JIM PAULSEN