Eastview principal goes head over heels for soccer

Eastview principal Randall Peterson likes to be involved with the student body. He took it to a new level last week -- more than 14,000 feet up.

Peterson joined with the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team to skydive into the school's stadium prior to the boys' soccer game against North St. Paul on Sept. 25. He jumped in tandem with another Golden Knight.

"It was an intense experience," Peterson said. "It doesn't feel like you're dropping, it feels like you're flying."

After jumping from the plane, Peterson went into a free fall for 6,000 to 8,000 feet at 130 miles per hour before the parachute was pulled.

"When they pulled the chute it was a little disappointing," Peterson said. "It felt like I had just finished running a marathon when we landed."

Peterson delivered the game ball as well as an American flag that flew over troops in Afghanistan. The flag was donated by Eastview parents Brent and Rhonda Bidjou and current Navy Sea Cadet and Eastview student Dillon Bidjou.

The flag will continue to be displayed at the school.

Panthers volleyball powerThe Lakeville North volleyball team is living up to its No. 1 ranking in Class 3A.

The Panthers (16-1) recently won all four matches in the Apple Valley Invitational, arguably the toughest tournament of the season. They swept No. 2-rated Wayzata 25-18, 25-21 in the finals.

Lakeville North also defeated Alexandria 25-11, 25-6; Class 2A, No. 1 Marshall 25-23, 25-19; and Class 3A, No. 4 Eden Prairie 25-23, 21-25, 15-11 en route to the title.

Senior libero Laura Larson, who had an outstanding tournament, was spectacular on defense against Wayzata in the championship. The Arizona recruit had 46 digs in the tournament, and now has 208 on the season.

Class 3A, No. 3 Blaine, No. 6 Eagan and Class 1A, No. 1 Bethlehem Academy were also in the field.

The Lakers finish with their four toughest games of the year. They dropped back-to-back games to No. 7 Burnsville and Eden Prairie. Still to come are No. 1 Eastview and No. 3 Lakeville North.

Prior Lake sophomore forward Katie Ward leads the team with 13 goals while senior midfielder Larissa Gabler has the team lead in assists with 11.