Tennis champ is Providence Academy's first

Elena Sullivan is a founding student at Providence Academy. She was among the first 220 students at the school, a K-12 facility in Plymouth, when it opened in 2001.

Now a sophomore, she's achieved another first.

Last week, Sullivan became the first Lions' athlete to win an individual state championship when she captured the Class 1A girls' tennis singles title.

"It was my goal for the season," Sullivan said. "When I made it to the semifinals, and I advanced, I really thought, 'Wow, this could actually happen.'"

Coach Bryan Turenun said Sullivan is a calm, confident player. But once that final point was finished, it was time to celebrate.

"Definitely," Sullivan said with a laugh.

Providence Academy athletics director Kurt Jaeger, who was Sullivan's second-grade teacher in 2001, ranks her gold medal as one of the school's top achievements in nine years of existence.

"Tennis has probably been our most dominant sport since 2001, but we haven't been able to put a trophy or anything in our case," he said. "This is great for the program and solidifies us as a perennial factor."

Minneapolis Washburn High School recently announced its athletic hall of fame class for 2009. The nine-member class included: Gerry Clark (Washburn class of 1964), Larry Hendrickson ('60), Brian Love ('65), Dr. Judy Johnson ('67), Dr. Kent Pike ('60), Myron Rognlie ('60), Dave Ruliffson ('41), Ray Tharp ('42), and Buzz Wheeler ('44).

When Minnesota-Duluth and Winona State face each other Saturday, the football game will feature a pair of former Lake Conference stars.

Bulldogs freshman Chase Vogler, who last year led Rosemount to the Class 5A state semifinals with 19 touchdown throws, enters Saturday's game with 1,183 yards passing and nine touchdowns.

For the Warriors, freshman Derrick Engel, who led Chaska last season with 636 yards receiving and nine touchdowns, has caught 24 passes for 642 yards and five scores.

Brian Stensaas • 612-673-4127