MEGAN PHILLIP
Edina • diving
A new arrival to the Twin Cities from the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, the ninth-grader wasted no time making a name for herself, topping defending champion Michelle Schlossmacher-Smith of Roseville 480.85 to 472.60 to win the one-meter diving championship at the Class 2A state meet last week.
Phillip, who trailed after the prelims, said her winning technique was to block out the distraction of having to defeat a reigning champ. "Everyone warned me about her and said I could compete with her, but I didn't focus on that," she said. "I focus on myself. If I focus on anyone else, it could get into my head."
Phillip won the meet by nailing her final dive, a back 1½ pike, scoring a 50.60 "I've always loved that dive," she said.
IVAN BURLAK
Totino-Grace • football
The Eagles' offense is predicated on its running attack and no running back did more than Burlak to help Totino-Grace to a 21-20 victory over Blaine in the Class 6A semifinals. The 5-10, 181-pound senior rushed 18 times for 91 yards and a touchdown and caught a game-tying 43-yard scoring pass in the first half.
STEVEY FRANCE
Anoka-Hennepin • adapted soccer
The sophomore was the Mustang's leading goal scorer in the physically impaired division of the adapted soccer state tournament. She had two goals in a quarterfinals and three in the semifinals over Park Center. France also scored the first goal of the game in a 3-1 victory over Robbinsdale in the finals.
CARLY QUAST
Wayzata • swimming
The future Notre Dame swimmer finshed her high school career in style, posting a state-record in 200 freestyle (1:47.33) among her three victories in the Class 2A state meet. She also won the 100 backstroke and swam on the winning 200 medley relay team.
NATE WHEELER
Minneapolis North • football
The 5-foot-7, 270-pound defensive tackle is the heart and soul of a Polars' defense that stymied a previously potent Wabasso in the Class 1A semifinals. He registered seven tackles, a sack and two tackles for loss in a 16-8 victory.
PHILLIP WORZIE
Park Center • adapted soccer
The hard-shooting senior missed the quarterfinals in the cognitively impaired division of the adapted soccer State Tournament to deal with family issues. But he came back strong with six goals in the semifinals and five more in a 9-5 championship game victory over the North Suburban Cougars.
