Stay in shape: chase deer

SHAMUS O'GRADY

Coon Rapids, wrestling

On his many training runs by the Mississippi River Dam near his home, O'Grady, a senior 160-pounder, often sees deer.

And chases them.

Once, he said, he came within a couple of feet of actually catching one.

"I don't know what I'd do if I caught one," said O'Grady, who also runs on the cross-country team. "My goal is just to touch one."

It's all part of his devotion to being in top condition, which is a big reason why O'Grady is 9-0 this season and ranked No. 1 in his weight class in Class 3A. He had five victories last week-- two major decisions, a technical fall and two pins -- as the Cardinals went 4-1 as a team, losing only to top-ranked Apple Valley.

Already this season O'Grady has three victories over wrestlers ranked in the top 10.

"The guy is in fabulous condition," said his coach, Bob Adams. "He just keeps coming at his opponents. He doesn't let the other guy breathe on the mat."

AUTUMN BEASLEY

Heritage Christian, basketball

The senior guard has been remarkably consistent. Last week she scored 28 points in back-to-back victories over Breck (60-51) and Providence Academy (45-34). She is averaging 27.3 points.

J.T. BROWN

Rosemount, hockey

Three games, three hat tricks for the speedy senior forward. He scored three goals in a 5-3 victory over Apple Valley on Dec. 1, three in an 8-7 victory over Holy Angels on Thursday and three more, including the game-winner in overtime, in a 5-4 victory over Eastview on Saturday.

CHELSEY EVENSON

Cambridge-Isanti, gymnastics

The Bluejackets traveled to Perham, home of the four-time Class 1A champions Saturday and came away with a victory in the Perham Invitational. Evenson won the all-around competition with a score of 37.00.

RILEY HORGAN

Mound-Westonka, hockey

The junior forward led the Whitehawks to three victories last week. He had two goals and two assists in a 6-0 victory over St. Louis Park, two goals and an assist in a 3-1 victory over Warroad and a goal and two assists in beating Lake of the Woods 4-1.

ALISON JOHNSON

St. Louis Park, basketball

The 5-11 senior guard scored 26 points with six rebounds and five assists in a 76-73 double-overtime victory over Chisago Lakes and had 27 points, four three-pointers and four assists in a 59-48 victory over Benilde-St. Margaret's.

JOHN PROKOPOWICZ

Simley, wrestling

With four varsity members sitting out, Prokopowicz, a senior 145-pound captain, led the Spartans to their second consecutive Battle of the Bay championship in Green Bay, Wis. Prokopowicz won four matches en route to the 145-pound title.

BECKY KORTUM

Hopkins, hockey

The Royals, in the midst of the best season in team history, are riding a nine-game unbeaten streak. Kortum, a junior forward, provided the offensive punch last week, scoring four goals in two games, including a hat trick in a 3-0 victory over then-No. 4 Edina in Class 2A.

JIM PAULSEN